Debbie Wasserman Schultz to Step Down as Democratic Party Chair

UPDATED: Democratic National Committee chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz will step down following next week’s Democratic National Convention, she announced on Sunday.

“My first priority has always been serving the people of the 23rd district of Florida and I look forward to continuing to do that as their member of Congress for years to come,” Schultz said in a statement.

“Going forward, the best way for me to accomplish those goals is to step down as Party Chair at the end of this convention,” the statement goes on. “As Party Chair, this week I will open and close the Convention and I will address our delegates about the stakes involved in this election not only for Democrats, but for all Americans.

We have planned a great and unified Convention this week and I hope and expect that the DNC team that has worked so hard to get us to this point will have the strong support of all Democrats in making sure this is the best convention we have ever had.”

It was reported earlier that Schultz would not have a significant speaking role at the convention. DNC vice chair and CNN political commentator Donna Brazile will serve as interim chair in this election cycle. She and CNN have suspended their contract for the time being, with plans to revisit the contract after Brazile is finished with her role.

The decision comes shortly after the leak of nearly 20,000 DNC emails, some of which suggest that the Democratic party may have tried to derail Bernie Sanders’ campaign in favor of Hillary Clinton. Schultz faced serious pressure to resign over the weekend, and CNN reports that the decision for Schultz to step down was supported by both Sanders’ and Clinton’s camps.

Following the resignation, Clinton released a statement in which she said she’s named Schultz an honorary chair of her campaign’s 50-state program.

“I want to thank my longtime friend Debbie Wasserman Schultz for her leadership of the Democratic National Committee over the past five years,” she said. “I am grateful to Debbie for getting the Democratic Party to this year’s historic convention in Philadelphia, and I know that this week’s events will be a success thanks to her hard work and leadership. There’s simply no one better at taking the fight to the Republicans than Debbie — which is why I am glad that she has agreed to serve as honorary chair of my campaign’s 50-state program to gain ground and elect Democrats in every part of the country, and will continue to serve as a surrogate for my campaign nationally, in Florida, and in other key states. I look forward to campaigning with Debbie in Florida and helping her in her re-election big — because as President, I will need fighters like Debbie in Congress who are ready on day one to get to work for the American people.”

President Obama issued a statement on her resignation on Sunday, thanking Schultz for her service. “For the last eight years, Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz has had my back,” it says.
“This afternoon, I called her to let her know that I am grateful. Her leadership of the DNC has meant that we had someone who brought Democrats together not just for my re-election campaign, but for accomplishing the shared goals we have had for our country. Her critical role in supporting our economic recovery, our fights for social and civil justice and providing health care for all Americans will be a hallmark of her tenure as Party Chair. Her fundraising and organizing skills were matched only by her passion, her commitment and her warmth. And no one works harder for her constituents in Congress than Debbie Wasserman Schultz. Michelle and I are grateful for her efforts, we know she will continue to serve our country as a member of Congress from Florida and she will always be our dear friend.”

Vice President Joe Biden also voiced support for Schultz in a statement on Sunday. “Debbie Wasserman Schultz has had the President’s and my back over the last eight years — and we’re incredibly grateful. She’s been part of our efforts to build an economy from the middle-out, to deliver quality, affordable health care to millions of Americans, and to protect equal rights for everyone.

“Governing is serious business. The country deserves — and needs — serious leaders like Debbie. A fighter for women’s health and rights. A fierce advocate for seniors and working families. A Congresswoman who knows her first job is serving her constituents — and her first obligation is always to her beautiful family — Steve, Jake, Rebecca, and Shelby. Debbie is an incredible public servant, and she will always be my friend.”

In a statement, Sanders praised Schultz for making the “right decision”: “Debbie Wasserman Schultz has made the right decision for the future of the Democratic Party. While she deserves thanks for her years of service, the party now needs new leadership that will open the doors of the party and welcome in working people and young people. The party leadership must also always remain impartial in the presidential nominating process, something which did not occur in the 2016 race.”

Sanders publicly called for Schultz to resign in an interview with ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday, before the news officially broke. “We need a new chair that is going to lead us in a different direction,” he said.

The Democratic National Convention will kick off Monday in Philadelphia.

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