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Biden Drops Out of 2024 Race and Endorses Harris; California Reacts

On June 21, President Joe Biden announced in a letter posted on social media that he is ending his candidacy for a second term and throwing his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris. “It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term,” Biden, 81, addressed the nation in a statement. Shortly after Biden’s announcement, political and civil leaders from across California reacted to the President’s decision.

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(Shutterstock) President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
(Shutterstock) President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

By Antonio Ray Harvey, California Black Media

On June 21, President Joe Biden announced in a letter posted on social media that he is ending his candidacy for a second term and throwing his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.

“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term,” Biden, 81, addressed the nation in a statement.

Shortly after Biden’s announcement, political and civil leaders from across California reacted to the President’s decision.

Gov. Gavin Newsom hailed Biden’s leadership as President.

“President Biden has been an extraordinary, history-making president — a leader who has fought hard for working people and delivered astonishing results for all Americans,” Newsom said.  “He will go down in history as one of the most impactful and selfless presidents.”

Lori Wilson, the chairperson for the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), released a statement wishing Biden well and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as Biden’s Democratic nominee successor.

“As Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, I would like to express our gratitude to President Biden and thank him for his many years of service and support of policies uplifting Black Californians,” Wilson stated. “As a Caucus, we are proud to stand with President Biden and offer our wholehearted and unconditional endorsement to Vice President Kamala D. Harris.  We look forward to working hard to ensure she is elected President in November.”

Biden’s campaign released a statement from Harris.

“I am honored to have the president’s endorsement, and my intention is to earn and win this nomination,” Harris stated. “Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election. And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead.”

U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) released a statement commending Biden for his many accomplishments.

“From appointing the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court to historic investments in addressing climate change and improving infrastructure, to saving lives and reviving our economy after the COVID-19 pandemic, President Biden’s legacy as president will live on forever,” Lee stated. This day is about honoring him.”

LaNiece Jones, Executive Director of Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA), thanked Biden for his service and praised him for his endorsement of Harris.

“We are profoundly thankful for your steadfast commitment to ensuring equity and equality for Black women and all Americans. Your efforts to create a more just and inclusive society do not go unnoticed, and we stand firmly with you as you pass the torch to the next U.S. President.” said Jones. “We are immensely proud of and commend your historic endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris, a longtime and esteemed member of BWOPA, to lead this nation.”

@PaulCobbOakland @NNPA_BlackPress @BlackPressUSA @PostNewsGroup @CaliforniaBlac2 @POTUS @VP @GavinNewsom @AsmLoriDWilson @CABlackCaucus

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Oakland Post: Week of May 28 – June 30, 2025

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May 28 – June 3, 2025

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Oakland Post: Week of May 21 – 27, 2025

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May 21 – 27, 2025

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OPINION: Your Voice and Vote Impact the Quality of Your Health Care

One of the most dangerous developments we’re seeing now? Deep federal cuts are being proposed to Medicaid, the life-saving health insurance program that covers nearly 80 million lower-income individuals nationwide. That is approximately 15 million Californians and about 1 million of the state’s nearly 3 million Black Californians who are at risk of losing their healthcare. 

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Rhonda M. Smith.
Rhonda M. Smith.

By Rhonda M. Smith, Special to California Black Media Partners

Shortly after last year’s election, I hopped into a Lyft and struck up a conversation with the driver. As we talked, the topic inevitably turned to politics. He confidently told me that he didn’t vote — not because he supported Donald Trump, but because he didn’t like Kamala Harris’ résumé. When I asked what exactly he didn’t like, he couldn’t specifically articulate his dislike or point to anything specific. In his words, he “just didn’t like her résumé.”

That moment really hit hard for me. As a Black woman, I’ve lived through enough election cycles to recognize how often uncertainty, misinformation, or political apathy keep people from voting, especially Black voters whose voices are historically left out of the conversation and whose health, economic security, and opportunities are directly impacted by the individual elected to office, and the legislative branches and political parties that push forth their agenda.

That conversation with the Lyft driver reflects a troubling surge in fear-driven politics across our country. We’ve seen White House executive orders gut federal programs meant to help our most vulnerable populations and policies that systematically exclude or harm Black and underserved communities.

One of the most dangerous developments we’re seeing now? Deep federal cuts are being proposed to Medicaid, the life-saving health insurance program that covers nearly 80 million lower-income individuals nationwide. That is approximately 15 million Californians and about 1 million of the state’s nearly 3 million Black Californians who are at risk of losing their healthcare.

Medicaid, called Medi-Cal in California, doesn’t just cover care. It protects individuals and families from medical debt, keeps rural hospitals open, creates jobs, and helps our communities thrive. Simply put; Medicaid is a lifeline for 1 in 5 Black Americans. For many, it’s the only thing standing between them and a medical emergency they can’t afford, especially with the skyrocketing costs of health care. The proposed cuts mean up to 7.2 million Black Americans could lose their healthcare coverage, making it harder for them to receive timely, life-saving care. Cuts to Medicaid would also result in fewer prenatal visits, delayed cancer screenings, unfilled prescriptions, and closures of community clinics. When healthcare is inaccessible or unaffordable, it doesn’t just harm individuals, it weakens entire communities and widens inequities.

The reality is Black Americans already face disproportionately higher rates of poorer health outcomes. Our life expectancy is nearly five years shorter in comparison to White Americans. Black pregnant people are 3.6 times more likely to die during pregnancy or postpartum than their white counterparts.

These policies don’t happen in a vacuum. They are determined by who holds power and who shows up to vote. Showing up amplifies our voices. Taking action and exercising our right to vote is how we express our power.

I urge you to start today. Call your representatives, on both sides of the aisle, and demand they protect Medicaid (Medi-Cal), the Affordable Care Act (Covered CA), and access to food assistance programs, maternal health resources, mental health services, and protect our basic freedoms and human rights. Stay informed, talk to your neighbors and register to vote.

About the Author

Rhonda M. Smith is the Executive Director of the California Black Health Network, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to advancing health equity for all Black Californians.

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