CNN reports that Democratic presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden has selected California Senator Kamala Harris as his running mate for Vice President.

Biden tweeted the following this afternoon:

I have the great honor to announce that I’ve picked @KamalaHarris — a fearless fighter for the little guy, and one of the country’s finest public servants — as my running mate.

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) August 11, 2020

Back when Kamala was Attorney General, she worked closely with Beau. I watched as they took on the big banks, lifted up working people, and protected women and kids from abuse. I was proud then, and I’m proud now to have her as my partner in this campaign.

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) August 11, 2020

Harris unsuccessfully sought the Democratic nomination earlier this year in a crowded field that included New Jersey Senator Cory Booker.

“I congratulate my CBC colleague and AKA Sister Kamala Harris on being the Dem nominee for Vice President: an excellent choice,” said U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-12). “Kamala is a strong addition to the ticket and will make us all proud.”

Governor Phil Murphy and New Jersey Democratic State Committee Chairman John Currie lauded

presumptive Democratic Presidential nominee Biden’s selection of California Senator Harris to be his Vice Presidential running mate.

“Joe Biden’s selection of Kamala Harris is a watershed moment in American politics that reflects how far our society has come,” said Murphy. “She is the exact right person to step into this crucial leadership role at one of the most challenging times in our nation’s history. The daughter of immigrants and someone who has dedicated her life to public service, Kamala Harris’ story is the American Dream come to life. Her passion, toughness and dedication to helping improve peoples’ lives will make her an incredible asset to our Democratic ticket. Just like Vice President Biden, Senator Harris is ready to lead from day one and move us forward. I look forward to doing everything in my power to elect her and Joe Biden this November.”

Chairman Currie also released the following statement:

“Kamala Harris has demonstrated the ability to lead and the dedication to serve the public interest, and she is a fantastic selection to be Joe Biden’s running mate,” said Currie. “Joe Biden has delivered on his promise to empower a woman leader to stand beside him, and in selecting Senator Harris he has chosen someone with all of the necessary skills and experience to flourish in this new role. I could not be more proud to lead our New Jersey Democratic State Committee in supporting the Biden-Harris campaign and to help elect the first Black woman and the first South Asian American to serve as Vice President.”

David Greenberg, a Rutgers–New Brunswick professor of history and of journalism and media studies, said, “In retrospect, Kamala Harris was the smart choice all along. She has executive experience, legislative experience and time in the national spotlight. She can step in to govern should Biden serve only one term, or less. She has a winning, upbeat demeanor but also can hit hard against the opposition—as running mates often have to do. I expect to see Democrats rallying behind this choice.”

U.S. Rep. Albio Sires (D-8) offered his own reaction to the news.

“Vice President Biden has chosen a strong running mate in Senator Kamala Harris,” said the Hudson-based congressman. “She has consistently challenged the Trump Administration’s policies and has been a strong voice for marginalized groups who, for far too long, have not seen themselves reflected in their leaders. Her track record on key issues makes her an excellent choice to take on the Trump Pence ticket. November’s election is critically important for many reasons and I believe Senator Harris, as the first woman of color on a major party ticket, is the right choice to confront the challenges Americans face.”

U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-5) offered the following: