Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone on Wednesday endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden for the Democratic presidential nomination. 

Bellone's endorsement came hours after his previously endorsed candidate, former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg, ended his campaign after a disappointing showing on Super Tuesday. 

”Mike Bloomberg ran an extraordinary campaign built on unity and the sheer necessity to get things done," Bellone said. "Mike and his entire team should be proud of the race that they ran and the issues that they brought to the national conversation. But more importantly, Mike has already performed a great service to the mission, and his commitment and support will be crucial moving forward to help Democrats win back the White House and win down ballot races." 

Bellone praised Bloomberg's decision to end the campaign while also embracing Biden, who has retaken the position of frontrunner for the race over Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont.

"It takes a lot of courage to step aside after a grueling race, but that’s who Mike is — a leader who puts others before himself," Bellone said. "Now is the time to come together as Democrats and unite behind a leader who can carry the mantle and defeat Donald Trump. I’m proud to endorse Joe Biden and will do everything in my power to help him win Suffolk County in the Democratic primary in April, and then general election in November. Whether it’s his track record on gun safety, the middle class or leadership on the world state, Joe is the best person to get things done and restore integrity in the White House.”