"Debbie Wasserman Schultz has made the right decision for the future of the Democratic Party," Sanders said Sunday in a statement on his campaign website. "While she deserves thanks for her years of service, the party now needs new leadership that will open the doors of the party and welcome in working people and young people. The party leadership must also always remain impartial in the presidential nominating process, something which did not occur in the 2016 race."
>> Debbie Wasserman Schultz out when DNC ends
In the hacked emails posted online Friday by WikiLeaks, DNC staffers appear to aid Hillary Clinton against Sanders in securing the Democratic nomination for president.
“My first priority has always been serving the people of the 23rd district of Florida and I look forward to continuing to do that as their member of Congress for years to come," she wrote. "As the mother of my three amazing children and the Representative of Florida’s 23rd congressional district, I know that electing Hillary Clinton as our next president is critical for America’s future. I look forward to serving as a surrogate for her campaign in Florida and across the country to ensure her victory."
She added: "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. We have planned a great and unified Convention this week and I hope and expect that the DNC team that has worked so hard to get us to this point will have the strong support of all Democrats in making sure this is the best convention we have ever had.”
Before the announcement, Sanders told ABC's "This Week" that he was "disappointed" but "not shocked" by the content of the leaked emails. He also said Wasserman Schultz should step down.
"I think she should resign, period," he said.
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