Harry Reid Endorses Chuck Schumer to Replace Him

Photo c/o by Alex Wong/Getty Images

Photo c/o by Alex Wong/Getty Images

Last Friday, Senator Harry Reid announced that he will not be seeking reelection in 2016 and has endorsed New York Senator Chuck Schumer to succeed him after he retires.

Serving as a Senator from Nevada since 1987, Reid has previously served as Majority Leader, Minority Leader, and as Minority and Majority Whip. On his retirement, Senator Reid stated that he wants to be remembered for his first 34 years in Congress and does not “want to grow old in office.” He has also said he will work to help the Democrats take control of the Senate again, noting, he felt it was inappropriate to, “Soak up all those resources on me, when I can be devoting those resources to the caucus.”

This announcement comes a couple of months after a New Year’s Day accident left Reid with serious eye injuries that require continued medical care.

“I thank Harry Reid for his friendship, counsel, and steadfast leadership of our caucus over the last ten years, and I look forward to continuing to work right alongside him for the remainder of this Congress. I am honored and humbled to have the support of so many of my colleagues and look forward to our Senate Democratic Caucus continuing to fight for the middle class.” said Senator Schumer in a statement to The Bronx Chronicle.

Flashback: Then Congressman Charles Schumer, Lewis Goldstein and Congressman Eliot Engel circa late 1980s

Flashback: Then Congressman Charles Schumer, Lewis Goldstein and Congressman Eliot Engel circa late 1980s

Senator Schumer was elected into the New York State Assembly in 1976, then to the House of Representatives in 1980, and to the U.S. Senate in 1998.

So far the majority of Senator’s in the Democratic party have backed Schumer’s run for Reid’s position, including Conference Secretary Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Bronx Congressmen Eliot Engel and Joseph Crowley.

Congressman Eliot Engel, a long time friend and ally of Senator Schumer said, “Harry Reid has had a long and distinguished career in Congress, serving the people of Nevada and our nation with great distinction and the utmost integrity for many years. His leadership in the Senate will be greatly missed, but I know that we have another fantastic leader waiting in the wings in Senator Chuck Schumer. Senator Schumer and I have known each other for nearly 40 years, having had the great pleasure of serving with him in the New York State Assembly, the House of Representatives, and as New York’s senior Senator. He is a tireless advocate for Democratic principles and will make an excellent Leader, whether in the Senate minority, or better still, in the majority.”

Congressman Joe Crowley stated, “For decades Senator Schumer has been a true champion for New York, and having him as Senate Democratic Leader means he can do even more for our great state. He’s the leader you want in your corner because he’s smart, tireless and someone you can count on to get the job done.”

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