Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz will step down as Democratic Party Chair immediately following this week's Democratic Convention in the wake of a WikiLeaks release on Friday which showed that certain top Democratic National Committee officials looked for ways to potentially damage Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign.
Said Schultz in a statement:
“I've been proud to serve as the first woman nominated by a sitting president as chair of the Democratic National Committee. I couldn't be more excited that Democrats are nominating our first woman presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, a friend I have always believed in and know will be a great president.”
EARLIER: Debbie Wasserman Schultz ‘Quarantined', Won't Speak at DNC Convention
Wasserman Schultz said she would gavel the convention in and out, and address the delegates, but that will be all.
Her full statement:
Debbie Wasserman Schultz is out: pic.twitter.com/a77IcTRoHx
— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) July 24, 2016
Democratic Party Communications Director Luis Miranda confirmed that Donna Brazile would serve as Interim Chair through the election.
DNC Vice Chair Donna Brazile will serve as Interim Chair through the election #DNCinPHL
— Luis Miranda (@LuisMiranda) July 24, 2016
President Obama released the following statement:
For the last eight years, Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz has had my back. 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.
Hillary Clinton released a statement as well:
https://twitter.com/aterkel/status/757311445256249344