Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam’s political career faces an uncertain future amid mounting pressure from local and national leaders to resign. See reactions from state and national figures below.
WASHINGTON — Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam’s political career faces an uncertain future amid mounting pressure from local and national leaders to resign.
In a Saturday afternoon news conference, Northam said he does not “truly” believe he is the person in a racist yearbook photo that emerged Friday — but in the hours that followed, the calls to resign from Northam’s Democratic colleagues only intensified.
See reactions from state and national figures below.
President Donald Trumpon Saturday tweeted about Northam’s controversy, calling it “unforgivable.”
NAACP President Derrick Johnson: “Black face in any manner is always racist and never okay. No matter the party affiliation, we can not stand for such behavior, which is why the NAACP is calling for the resignation of Virginia Governor Ralph Northam.”
Eastern Virginia Medical School President Richard V. Homan:“We share the outrage, alarm and sadness voiced by our alumni, the press and many on social media regarding the picture published in the 1984 student yearbook. The picture is shockingly abhorrent and absolutely antithetical to the principles, morals and values we hold and espouse of our educational and research institution and our professions. Racism and discrimination in any form is not acceptable.
Democratic Governors Association: “The photo of Ralph Northam’s yearbook that surfaced yesterday is both racist and inexcusable… It is time for Gov. Northam to step aside and allow Virginia to move forward.”
National Education Association and Virginia Education Association: “There is no place for Gov. Ralph Northam’s racist actions. Both the National Education Association and the Virginia Education Association strongly condemn them. This goes beyond political affiliation. We must set a better example for our students. The public must have trust and confidence that their elected officials will fight for them, and that trust has been irreparably damaged. Ralph Northam should resign.”
Former Vice President Joe Biden: “There is no place for racism in America. Governor Northam has lost all moral authority and should resign immediately, Justin Fairfax is the leader Virginia needs now.”
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi: “The photo is racist and contrary to fundamental American values. I join my colleagues in Virginia calling on Governor Northam to do the right thing so that the people of the Commonwealth of Virginia can heal and move forward.”
Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif.: “Leaders are called to a higher standard, and the stain of racism should have no place in the halls of government. The Governor of Virginia should step aside so the public can heal and move forward together.”
Sen. Cory Booker, D-NJ: “These images arouse centuries of anger, anguish, and racist violence and they’ve eroded all confidence in Gov. Northam’s ability to lead. We should expect more from our elected officials. He should resign.”
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-NY: “There aren’t two sets of rules for our friends and our foes: Right is right and wrong is wrong. Americans deserve to be respected by their leaders, and racism cannot be excused in our government or anywhere else. Having seen the photo, I believe Governor Northam should resign.”
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-MA: “These racist images are deeply disturbing. Hatred and discrimination have no place in our country and must not be tolerated, especially from our leaders – Republican or Democrat. Northam must resign.”
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