Rep. Donald Norcross Applauds Biden For Dropping Out Of Election

CAMDEN COUNTY, NJ — Rep. Donald Norcross joined the chorus of Democratic leaders applauding President Joe Biden for dropping out of the election.

President Biden announced his decision on Sunday afternoon, following nearly three weeks of persistent criticism after his performance in the June 27 debate against former president Donald Trump that fueled concerns about Biden's health and age. Biden, 81, is 3 years older than Trump, 78, who now is the oldest presidential nominee in U.S. history.

Since the debate, 37 congressional Democrats publicly urged President Biden to drop out of the race. Norcross, who represents New Jersey's 1st Congressional District, wasn't one of them. But he commended the president on Sunday for exiting the race.

"President Biden has now made the decision to step aside, once again demonstrating that he is a leader that puts America first," Norcross said in a statement. "I applaud his decision to pass the torch and encourage all Americans to vote this November. We can never stop fighting to protect and preserve our democracy."

Norcross also praised Biden's political career and his president record, especially on labor issues.

"As a union electrician by trade and co-chair of the Labor Caucus in Congress, I can confidently say that President Biden's Administration has been the most pro-worker Presidential administration in our lifetime," Norcross said in a statement. "President Biden saved pensions for millions of workers, created 15 million jobs, and became the first sitting President to visit a picket line."

Norcross has not endorsed anyone for the Democratic presidential nomination, which remains murky weeks ahead of the party's national convention, which is Aug. 19-22. Some Democratic officeholders, including President Biden, have endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the role.

For the past decade, Norcross has represented New Jersey's 1st district in the House of Representatives. He is running for re-election in the deep-blue district against Republican Teddy Liddell — an Army veteran and attorney.

Liddell hasn't publicly weighed in on President Biden dropping out as of this writing. But Biden's decision has had Republican leaders questioning why the president is finishing his term.

• Related: Here's more reactions from NJ Republicans and Democrats.

Two of Norcross's brothers, including longtime political powerbroker George Norcross, were indicted last month for racketeering and other corruption charges.

Donald Norcross, who has no reported involvement in their alleged misconduct, told Patch the following after the indictment was unsealed: "I love my brothers. I believe in the rule of law and they will have the opportunity to defend themselves during their day in court."

New Jersey's 1st district includes all of Camden County and portions of Gloucester and Burlington counties.