With Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. announcing that he wouldn’t run for president last week, Sen. Tom Carper endorsed Hillary Rodham Clinton for president Monday.  

“Nearly 15 years ago, Hillary and I were elected to the United States Senate together, and since then I’ve had the joy and privilege of wishing my friend a happy birthday each year on October 26th,” Carper said in a statement. “When I called her today, I had the opportunity to deliver a unique birthday message — that I am proud to endorse her as the next Democratic nominee for President.”  

Carper had held off endorsing in the Democratic primary until Biden made his decision about the race. He told CQ Roll Call in August that Biden’s experience as vice president would give him an advantage in the race.  

But with Biden passing on a run , Carper said, “I am prepared to give Hillary my full and enthusiastic support.”  

Democratic Rep. John Carney, who’s retiring at the end of this Congress to run for governor, also threw his support behind Clinton. “Every opportunity she has had she has shown her ability to come up with solutions and to stand strong,” Carney said in an interview with the Delaware News Journal .  

The two lawmakers joined more than 150 other members of Congress who have endorsed Clinton. Reps. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., and Raúl M. Grijalva, D-Ariz., have endorsed Sen. Bernard Sanders’ campaign, while Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., has endorsed former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley.  

Delaware Gov. Jack Markell endorsed Clinton last week .  

Eli Yokley contributed to this report. 
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