MD leaders react to Biden’s withdrawal from 2024 presidential race

MARYLAND — Nearly a month after Democrats expressed concerns about their general election prospects following a disastrous debate with former President Donald Trump, President Joseph Biden said Sunday he will not seek re-election at the upcoming party convention.

He endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the party’s nominee, and she said she will work to earn the nomination and win on Nov. 5.

Here’s some reaction from leading Democrats and Republicans in Maryland to the Biden news:

Governor Wes Moore

“President Biden has dedicated his life and career to serving the American people. His legacy of hard work, dedication, optimism, and strength has shaped the course 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 governor, I look to him as an example of true leadership. As an American, I look to him as an embodiment of our shared values ​​of freedom, decency, and patriotism.”

Senator Ben Cardin

“Joe Biden is a friend and has been a passionate public servant his entire life, putting the needs of this nation first time and time again. As President, he led an administration that for nearly four years served our nation, served our people, and created hope and opportunity where there was disease, despair, and inequality. Unemployment is at historic lows, small business creation is at record highs, and the Fed is poised to cut interest rates again as inflation is brought under control. America has regained respect and leadership in the free world. For all of this and more, Joe Biden has earned the right to determine his own future, and I respect his decision. I thank him with all my heart for his incredible service.

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

Senator Chris Van Hollen

“Joe Biden has shown our nation time and again the true meaning of a dedicated public servant. Over the past four years — and throughout his decades of prior service — he has delivered on behalf of the American people, working to improve the lives of millions while never forgetting where he came from and who he fought for. President Biden has always put our country first, and with this decision, he has once again done what he believes is best for the future of our democracy. His legacy will be an example of what we can accomplish on behalf of everyday Americans for generations to come. There is more work to do — and I know the President is committed to seeing it through.”

Former Governor and GOP Senate candidate 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 above his personal ambitions.

“The only way to break this cycle of chaos, division and dysfunction is to elect principled, common-sense, experienced leaders who focus on the everyday challenges Americans face. We need less palace intrigue, less partisan nonsense, and more decisive action to solve the serious problems facing our country. That’s why I’m running for the U.S. Senate: to overcome all the toxic politics and bring strong, independent leadership to Washington.”

Democratic Senate Candidate Angela Alsobrooks

“President Biden knows more than anyone the stakes of this election. He knows the grave threat that Donald Trump and a Republican majority in the Senate pose to our freedoms and the future of our country. That’s why it’s imperative that Democrats come together quickly and unite behind a qualified leader.

“Kamala Harris is that leader. She will be a clear and sharp contrast to Donald Trump’s regressive vision for this country. She will turn this race around to deliver the future and the kind of country our children deserve. Every one of us deserves that kind of leader.

“Kamala, my friend, let’s go!”

Representative Steny H. Hoyer

“This afternoon, through a letter to the American people, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. performed one of the greatest acts of patriotism in American history by choosing not to run for re-election.

“Joe Biden, my friend of nearly 55 years, has already proven himself in the pantheon of our greatest presidents, and this selfless decision confirms his position as a great American leader, willing to put the needs of our country above his own. His service in the U.S. 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.”

Chairman of the Republican Party of Maryland Nicole Beus Harris

“President Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 race spares the American people and the people of Maryland the opportunity to suffer another four years of his failed ‘leadership.’ By covering up for Joe Biden’s incompetence, the Democratic Party has failed America and must be held accountable.

“Amid the weakness and division of the Democrats, the Republican Party remains united behind returning President Trump to the White House and making America great again!”