By Steve Wilson |The Center Square 

Louisiana Democrats have switched their support to Vice President Kamala Harris as the party’s new nominee and were thankful to President Joe Biden.

Biden, 81, stepped down as the party’s nominee on Sunday. He had been heavily criticized since a debate June 27 against former President Donald Trump.

On X, the Louisiana Democratic Party officially endorsed Harris and said that they “look forward to a productive, energizing, historic convention!”

Democratic Party Chairman Randal Gaines said in a statement released on X that “we are grateful to President Biden for his remarkable leadership, and we are committed to honoring his legacy by working tirelessly this fall to keep the White House in Democratic hands. It’s time we come together, and by throwing our full support behind her, we can beat Trump again and continue Biden’s legacy of accomplishments and progress for our country.”

Former Gov. John Bel Edwards posted on X, “Thanks to@JoeBiden, billions of dollars are flowing into Louisiana to improve our infrastructure & expand access to broadband internet. President Biden has dedicated his life to making this country a better place. Thank you for your friendship and service, Mr. President.”

State Sen. Royce Duplessis, D-New Orleans, endorsed Harris in a thread on X.

“I’m proud to support Vice President @KamalaHarris as the next Democratic nominee for President,” Duplessis said. “Full stop! Now, let’s get to work. #ImWithKamala.”

He also thanked Biden for his service as president, writing, “President Biden’s legacy is highlighted by many achievements, including historic investments in infrastructure, fighting to protect women’s reproductive rights, unwavering commitment to civil rights, and so much more!”

House Minority Leader Mandie Landry, D-New Orleans, also announced her support for Harris in a thread on X. Landry is a delegate to the Democratic Convention.

“Yes I am supporting @VP, as a delegate to the @DNC,” Landry wrote. “She was chosen as the VP for a reason: because she might need to assume the role of President. I’ve been a fan since she ran in 2019.

“I was very much prepared to continue to support the President @POTUS as the nominee for many reasons, including that the city still strongly supports him. I respect his decision, something that I am sure was one of the most difficult he has ever had to make.”