PHILADELPHIA–Florida Democratic Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz will resign from her position as chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee following the conclusion of the Democratic Party convention Thursday.
The announcement of her resignation follows the leak of DNC emails which exposed Wasserman Schultz’s real opinions on Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and his campaign, among other things. In a statement Sunday, Wasserman Schultz wrote about her “goals” of serving her Florida district and getting Hillary Clinton elected.
“Going forward, the best way for me to accomplish those goals is to step down as Party Chair at the end of this convention. 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,” Wasserman Schultz wrote. She was nominated by President Barack Obama to become DNC Chair in 2011.
In emails leaked by WikiLeaks on Friday, Wasserman Schultz called Sen. Sanders’ campaign manager an “ass,” and said that Sanders wouldn’t win on the same day she claimed to be neutral. (RELATED: Emails: Wasserman Schultz Was FURIOUS With Mike Brzezinski Over Criticism)
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, prior to the announcement of Wasserman Schultz’s resignation, said she was unqualified for the role of DNC chair.
In a press release Hillary Clinton said Wasserman Schultz will serve as honorary chair of her campaign.
“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,” the statement said.
DNC vice-chair Donna Brazile will take over on an interim basis.