Washington, D.C. – In response to Vice President Joe Biden’s announcement that he will not run for president in 2016, DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement:

“I appreciate Vice President Joe Biden giving thoughtful consideration to seeking the Democratic nomination for president in 2016. While Vice President Biden will not be a candidate next year, his unwavering commitment to America’s working families is a legacy each of our candidates will proudly carry forward.

“There are few people in Washington over the last four decades who have been a greater champion for middle class Americans than Joe Biden. For the last seven years, Vice President Biden has served as one of President Obama’s closest advisers and played a critical role in advancing middle-class economics that brought our country back from a severe recession that was costing our economy 750,000 jobs a month. Prior to joining the Obama ticket in 2008, Senator Biden was one of the Senate’s most respected voices. His voice and support in the upcoming presidential election for whoever emerges as our nominee will be a powerful reminder of how much is at stake for hard working Americans.

“I was proud to work on then Senator Biden's campaign for president as a college student during the 1988 election cycle. The confidence in his leadership that inspired me then, when I did not know him personally, was affirmed as I sponsored legislation with him in Congress and came to know him well, while serving as the Chair of the Democratic National Committee.

“I know that Joe Biden’s service to his country will not end when he leaves office, and I look forward to seeing what challenges the Vice President and Dr. Jill Biden choose to take on after our next Democratic president assumes office in January 2017.”