State and local officials, Sunday, reacted to the announcement by President Joe Biden that he would not seek re-election and would endorse Vice President Kamala Harris to be his successor.
The announcement came after weeks of speculation and call for him to step down, following a recent debate with former President Donald Trump.
Congressman Pat Ryan (D-Gardiner), who was one of the first members of Congress to call for Biden to withdraw from the race, called him a patriot.
“Delivering on his promise to be a bridge to a new generation of leaders is a fitting capstone to a life of selfless service; the entire nation is grateful for all that he’s done for the American people,” Ryan said. “The contrast with Trump, a convicted felon who tried to overturn the 2020 election, could not be more striking. Every single Republican has lined up behind him because they lack the courage and independence to put the country ahead of party and their own political ambition. They’d rather pledge fealty to a traitor than stand up for their own constituents.”
“Though President Biden and I have not seen eye-to-eye on a number of issues, I recognize his deep commitment to our country, and thank him for his years of service to the nation," said Mike Congressman Lawler (R-Rockland). "During a career that spanned 5 decades, the President committed himself to trying to better the lives of Americans, and while I disagree with his policy proposals, I appreciate his resolve and his sacrifices.”
State Senator Michelle Hinchey (D-Saugerties) said the decision to withdraw from the race is another example of his commitment to put country over self.
“President Biden will go down in history as one of the best, most transformative Presidents America has ever had. His ability to bring our nation together through some of our darkest days during the pandemic was inspiring, and his commitment to working across the aisle to center American progress and opportunity is something all elected officials should learn from and aspire to,” Hinchey said. “We are facing terrifying times, and, in this moment, we need leaders who follow these principles and believe in the future we all deserve. I thank President Biden for his selfless service and stand ready to fight for the democratic values we all hold dear as we head into November.”
State Senator James Skoufis (D-Cornwall) agreed with the decision to step down.
“As we find ourselves at yet another inflection point in our nation’s history, I am grateful that President Biden has chosen to withdraw from the 2024 presidential election,” Skoufis said. “ I cannot imagine it was an easy decision, but it was the right one to step aside to let another leader - one that Americans can feel confident voting into office for the next four years - take his place.”
Senator Majority Leader Chuck Schumer had also called for Biden to withdraw from the race.
“Joe Biden has not only been a great president and a great legislative leader but he is a truly amazing human being. His decision of course was not easy, but he once again put his country, his party, and our future first,” Schumer said. “Joe, today shows you are a true patriot and great American.”
Zak Constantine, chair of the Orange County Democratic Party, pledged his support for Harris.
"President Joe Biden solidified his legacy as one of the most consequential presidents in American history with his difficult decision to pass the torch to the next generation of leaders.," Constantine said Monday. "Under President Biden's leadership, our country has seen a resurgence of hope and progress. His decisive actions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic set our nation on a path to recovery. His unwavering support for organized labor and his tireless efforts to grow the American middle class have reinforced the foundations of our economy, with the goal of ensuring that every hard working American has a fair shot at success. Record job creation and meaningful investments in combating climate change will further define his presidency as one of historic achievement and forward-thinking vision. "