Local leaders react to Biden's withdrawal from 2024 presidential race

WASHINGTON — Local leaders around the D.C. region are speaking out after President Biden's announcement Sunday that he will no longer seek reelection in the 2024 presidential race. 

The president issued a statement that read in part:

"It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term."

As the world processes Biden's decision just one month before the Democratic National Convention, leaders from around Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia have started to released statements in support of his announcement. 

Former President Barack Obama:

Joe Biden has been one of America’s most consequential presidents, as well as a dear friend and partner to me. Today, we’ve also been reminded, again , that he’s a patriot of the highest order. 

Sixteen years ago, when I began my search for a vice president, I knew about Joe’s remarkable career in public service. But what I came to admire even more was his character — his deep empathy and hard-earned resilience; his fundamental decency and belief that everyone counts. 

Since taking office, President Biden has displayed that character again and again. He helped end the pandemic, created millions of jobs, lowered the cost of prescription drugs, passed the first major piece of gun safety legislation in 30 years, made the biggest investment to address climate change in history, and fought to ensure the rights of working people to organize for fair wages and benefits. Internationally, he restored America’s standing in the world, revitalized NATO, and mobilized the world to stand up against Russian aggression in Ukraine. 

More than that, President Biden pointed us away from the four years of chaos, falsehood, and division that had characterized Donald Trump’s administration. Through his policies and his example, Joe has reminded us of who we are at our best — a country committed to old-fashioned values like trust and honesty, kindness and hard work; a country that believes in democracy, rule of law, and accountability; a country that insists that everyone, no matter who they are, has a voice and deserves a chance at a better life. 

This outstanding track record gave President Biden every right to run for re-election and finish the job he started. Joe understands better than anyone the stakes in this election — how everything he has fought for throughout his life, and everything that the Democratic Party stands for, will be at risk if we allow Donald Trump back in the White House and give Republicans control of Congress. 

I also know Joe has never backed down from a fight. For him to look at the political landscape and decide that he should pass the torch to a new nominee is surely one of the toughest in his life. But I know he wouldn’t make this decision unless he believed it was right for America. It’s a testament to Joe Biden’s love of country — and a historic example of a genuine public servant once again putting the interests of the American people ahead of his own that future generations of leaders will do well to follow. 

We will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead. But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges. I believe that Joe Biden’s vision of a generous, prosperous, and united America that provides opportunity for everyone will be on full display at the Democratic Convention in August. And I expect that every single one of us are prepared to carry that message of hope and progress forward into November and beyond. 

For now, Michelle and I just want to express our love and gratitude to Joe and Jill for leading us so ably and courageously during these perilous times — and for their commitment to the ideals of freedom and equality that this country was founded on.

Vice President Kamala Harris: 

On behalf of the American people, I thank Joe Biden for his extraordinary leadership as President of the United States and for his decades of service to our country. His remarkable legacy of accomplishment is unmatched in modern American history, surpassing the legacy of many Presidents who have served two terms in office. 

It is a profound honor to serve as his Vice President, and I am deeply grateful to the President, Dr. Biden, and the entire Biden family. I first came to know President Biden through his son Beau. We were friends from our days working together as Attorneys General of our home states. As we worked together, Beau would tell me stories about his Dad. The kind of father—and the kind of man—he was. And the qualities Beau revered in his father are the same qualities, the same values, I have seen every single day in Joe’s leadership as President: His honesty and integrity. His big heart and commitment to his faith and his family. And his love of our country and the American people. 

With this selfless and patriotic act, President Biden is doing what he has done throughout his life of service: putting the American people and our country above everything else. I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination. Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election. And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead. 

I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party—and unite our nation—to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda. We have 107 days until Election Day. Together, we will fight. And together, we will win.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore

President Biden has dedicated his life and career to serving the American people. His legacy of hard work, dedication, optimism, and strength have shaped the trajectory of our nation – and made us better as a people and as a country. 

"This is a man deeply in love with his family, his country, and the promise of America. As a governor, I look to him as an exemplar of true leadership. As an American, I look to him as an embodiment of our shared values of freedom, decency, and patriotism. 

Maryland has had a stalwart ally and tireless friend in President Biden. We could not have delivered such enormous progress for 6.3 million Marylanders without his and Vice President Harris’ leadership and support. Together, we’ve created nearly 40,000 jobs, made historic investments in our state’s infrastructure, and seen the most significant drop in crime in a generation. And when the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed on the early morning of March 26, President Biden rallied with the people of our state. Together, we proved what it means to be Maryland Tough and Baltimore Strong.

"Our state and our country are back on track with the help of this administration, and we know that President Biden will continue to have Maryland’s back as he focuses solely on fulfilling his duties as president for the rest of his term. I thank him and Dr. Jill Biden for their unwavering loyalty to us, it will never be forgotten.

Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan:

I respect President Biden for his decades of public service. I believe he made the right decision for his family and the country. These are dangerous and unprecedented times. He should be commended for putting the country ahead of personal ambition. The only way out of this cycle of chaos, divisiveness and dysfunction is to elect principled, common sense and experienced leaders who will focus on the day-to-day challenges facing Americans. 

We need less palace intrigue, less partisan nonsense, and more decisive action to solve the serious problems facing our nation. That’s why I’m running for U.S. Senate—to overcome all of the toxic politics and to bring strong, independent leadership to Washington.

Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks: 

President Biden is an extraordinary American whose entire life has been dedicated to this great nation. I want to express my immense gratitude for his leadership. Over the past four years, President Biden has made this country stronger. He fought for the soul of this nation, and I believe it is a fight he has won. He led with decency and moral clarity. 

President Biden knows more than anyone the profound stakes of this election. He knows the grave threat to our freedoms and to the future of our country that Donald Trump and a Republican Senate majority pose. That's why it is paramount that Democrats come together quickly and unite behind a qualified leader. Kamala Harris is that leader. She will provide a clear and stark contrast to the regressive vision Donald Trump has for this country. She will make this race about the future and the kind of country our children deserve to inherit. Each and every one of us deserves that kind of leader. 

I am proud to be behind her 100% and know that she will defeat Donald Trump and continue the great legacy of accomplishments that President Joe Biden and she spearheaded. Kamala, my friend, let's go!

Maryland Sen. Ben Cardin:

Joe Biden is a friend, and has been a passionate public servant throughout his lifetime, putting the needs of this nation first time and again. As president, he has led an administration that for nearly four years has helped our nation, helped our people and has created hope and opportunity where there was sickness, despair and inequality. 

Unemployment is at historic lows, small businesses creation is at record highs and the Fed is on the cusp of cutting interest rates again because inflation is in check. America has earned back respect and leadership around the free world. For all this and more, Joe Biden has earned the right to determine his own future and I respect his decision. I thank him for his incredible service with all my heart. 

Donald Trump is unfit to hold elected office. Democrats, along with Independents and Republicans, now must be united and focus our attention on preserving our nation, our Constitution and our way of life under the rule of law.

Virginia Sen. Mark Warner: 

This nation owes Joe Biden a debt of gratitude for putting everything on hold to run in 2020 and taking the reins as President during a particularly turbulent time. He charted a bright path forward for our nation after four tumultuous years under the former administration. President Biden has made historic contributions to our nation. His love of country and loyalty to the American people has been unwavering. He will undoubtedly go down in the history books as a true American patriot. 

After all he’s done, I respect President Biden’s difficult decision to step aside in this upcoming election, and I look forward to hearing more from him later this week. While there has to be an orderly process and the decision ultimately rests in the hands of the DNC delegates, I believe Vice President Harris has the experience, energy, and resolve to lead our nation. This November, we must defeat Donald Trump and his backwards agenda.

Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen:

Joe Biden has time and again shown our nation the true meaning of a dedicated public servant. Over the last four years – and throughout his decades of prior service – he has delivered on behalf of the American people, working to better the lives of millions, while never forgetting where he came from and who he was fighting for. 

President Biden has always put our country first, and in making this decision, he has once again done what he thinks is best for the future of our democracy. His legacy will set an example of what we can accomplish on behalf of everyday Americans for generations to come. There’s still more work to be done – and I know the President is committed to seeing it through.

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser:

My gratitude and prayers are with President Biden. His selfless decision today truly put America first. Thank you Mr. President.

Maryland Rep. Steny Hoyer:

This afternoon, through a letter to the American people, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., has performed one of the greatest acts of patriotism in American history by choosing not to run for reelection. Joe Biden, my friend of nearly 55 years, has already proven himself among the pantheon of our best Presidents, and this selfless decision further reaffirms his position as a great American leader, willing to put the needs of our nation above his own. 

His service in the United States Senate, as Vice President of the United States, and impressive legislative victories as our President will impact generations of Americans and people around the world.

Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine:

As I have been saying for weeks, President Biden is a patriotic American who has always put the needs of our country ahead of himself. For more than five decades, he has served this country admirably as a Senator, Vice President, and now President. His decision today reflects the same patriotism that George Washington and Teddy Roosevelt demonstrated when they selflessly put their country above their own political ambitions. 

From ushering in an economic recovery from the pandemic that is the envy of the world, to finally rebuilding our roads and bridges, reclaiming our leadership on the international stage, lowering the cost of prescription drugs and capping the cost of insulin, President Biden has achieved historic progress for our country. 

I’m deeply grateful for his years of service. I am laser-focused on building on the historic accomplishments of the Biden-Harris administration, by continuing to lower costs for Virginians, protecting our democracy at home and abroad, and safeguarding Americans’ reproductive freedoms. I’m looking forward to working with my friend Kamala Harris and a great ticket mate to keep Virginia blue so that we can continue to build on our progress.

Maryland Democratic Party:

Joe Biden is among the best and most consequential presidents in American history. In three and half years, President Biden navigated the country through COVID and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, passed historic investments in infrastructure and climate, lowered prescription drug prices for seniors, passed landmark gun safety legislation, and so much more. 

Our country and party owe Joe Biden a debt of gratitude. As President, he is a remarkable leader that has always put his country first.

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball:

During the last four years, President Joe Biden has served our country with honor, integrity, and a sincere focus on improving the lives of working Americans. 

As President, he has championed landmark legislation to improve our country, including the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the CHIPS and Science Act. These critical efforts brought millions of federal dollars to Howard County to strengthen our infrastructure, grow jobs and businesses, and tackle the pressing threats of climate change. 

As your Howard County Executive, I have valued our close partnership and collaboration with the Biden Administration to move Howard County, Maryland, and our nation forward. Today, as President Biden announces that he will not seek a second term, I want to acknowledge and thank him for his leadership, vision, and tireless efforts to restore the soul of America. Together, we will build on President Biden’s legacy and ensure that our community remains the very best place to live, work, play, grow, and thrive. Thank you, President Biden.

Virginia Rep. Gerry Connolly: 

President Joe Biden will be remembered among the most consequential presidents in American history. His decision today to put country above all else has only cemented that fact. Joe Biden delivered us from the darkness of his predecessor’s time in office. 

His presidency has bettered the lives of countless Americans. He dragged us out from the depths of the pandemic, leading an economic recovery that outpaced the world. With war raging in Europe, he has forged renewed strength and vigor in the transatlantic alliance and has overseen the most consequential years for NATO since its founding 75 years ago. And, with the ugly threat of authoritarianism rearing its head again, he has held the democratic world together in strength and unity. 

I had the distinct honor of working for Joe Biden on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. I wrote bills and speeches for him, traveled with him, and spent time with his family in Delaware. I know now what I knew then – Joe Biden, and the entire Biden family, are patriots in the truest sense of the word. They are good, honorable people whose dedication to their country is matched only by their dedication to each other as a family. They have served us nobly over the years, and I am personally grateful for their sacrifice and their service. 

President Joe Biden, a man I revere, has today made a deeply difficult decision the only way he knows how – with the American people at heart. We owe him a debt of gratitude.

Maryland Congressman Glenn Ivey:

President Joe Biden saved our democracy once back in 2020 by entering the race to beat Donald Trump. By leaving this race he has shown his heroic and historic place in America. 

He is one of the most accomplished and consequential U.S. Presidents in history. In one term, he rescued the nation from the COVID-19 pandemic, he saved us from the brink of economic despair. He advocated for and signed into law, bills, like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, the CHIPS Act, the Safer Communities Act, and many others which helped everyday Americans. 

Our country is better today because President Joe Biden has led us with dignity, courage, and honor. We are forever thankful.

President Biden's detractors

But as expected, not everyone will find President Biden's announcement patriotic and selfless. 

Former President Donald Trump

Crooked Joe Biden is the Worst President, by far, in the History of our Nation. He has done everything possible to destroy our Country, from our Southern Border, to Energy Dominance, National Security, International Standing, and so much more. 

He was annihilated in an Earth Shattering Debate, and now the Corrupt and Radical Democrats are throwing him overboard. He was not fit to serve from the very beginning, but the people around him lied to America about his Complete and Total Mental, Physical, and Cognitive Demise. Whoever the Left puts up now will just be more of the same. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!