As Joe Biden transitions out of the presidency, a former democratic Syracuse mayoral candidate is reflecting on his character as a leader and public servant. Juanita Perez has treasured a voicemail from Biden for years, and is sharing it publicly for the first time. Biden's connection to Syracuse goes back to the late 1960's when he attended and graduated from Syracuse University's law school.
Fast forward about 50 years to November 7, 2017, and Perez had lost a four-way race for Mayor.
“Hey Juanita. This is Joe Biden. I’m so sorry for the outcome, but I’m proud of the fact that you made the race. Thank you for doing it,” Biden began.
“Thinking back on that day, of course, I was really disappointed," Perez said. "And who would have thought that Joe Biden would give us a call?”
“Don’t walk away kid," Biden continued. "You got an awful lot of talent and we need you.”
At the time, Biden was between his terms as Vice President and President. Perez says the call speaks volumes about his loyalty to Syracuse and his support for fellow Democrats and their values.
"It just told me he was a good person. Who gives you a call when you don't prevail? 'You've got great talent, kid. Keep doing it.' And it did encourage me," Perez said.
“I just want to say thank you for running, thank you for running a good race," Biden said. "I’m sorry it turned out the way it did. I’ll talk to you later.”
After grueling year-long mayoral campaign, Perez says she was reluctant to jump right back into the ring to seek the Democratic nomination for Congress in 2018.
“I think when I got the call about Congress, it was partially what President Biden said in his message that made me feel there was a real time to act, and I should stay in service," Perez said.
She lost the congressional primary to Dana Balter.
Perez says she never got the chance to talk with Biden again, by phone or in person. But she says she’s forever grateful for his kindness, sincerity, and genuine interest in the success of Syracuse and Central New York.
