Leaders in Georgia, South Carolina and elsewhere react to Biden’s withdrawal from the race

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The reactions have started pouring in after President Joe Biden announced Sunday afternoon that he would not seek re-election.

He almost immediately endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor as the Democratic candidate.

This is what Biden said:

South Carolina GOP: South Carolina Republican Party Chairman Drew McKissick said: “The Democrats tried to get President Trump off the ballot in multiple states, then they turned the justice system into a pawn in political warfare, and now they’re dropping Joe Biden in the hopes that will solve their problems. I urge them to just face the truth: The American people do not support their ideas or their record. No amount of player changes can fix that for them, and Donald J. Trump will be the 47th President of the United States of America.”

President Biden has been an extraordinary, history-making president — a leader who fought hard for working people and delivered astonishing results for all Americans. He will go down in history as one of the most impactful and selfless presidents.

Thank you, @JoeBiden. https://t.co/HMUMEB1fTl

— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) July 21, 2024

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer: “Joe Biden is not only a great president and a great legislative leader, but he is also a truly great human being. His decision was not easy, of course, but he once again put his country, his party, and our future first. Joe, today shows that you are a true patriot and a great American.”

US Senator Tammy Baldwin: “It has been an honor to work with Joe Biden to create real, meaningful change for working Wisconsinites across our state. Today, seniors are paying less for their prescription drugs, our state has been put to work rebuilding our infrastructure, and millions of Wisconsinites with pre-existing conditions have health insurance because of the work we have done together. Throughout all of that work, I have been inspired by his decency, integrity, and dedication to service, and for that I am deeply grateful. Thank you, President Biden.”

US Congresswoman Elise Stafanik: “If Joe Biden cannot run for re-election, he is incapable and unfit to serve as President of the United States. He must resign immediately. The Democratic Party is in absolute freefall because of their outright corrupt and desperate attempt to cover up the fact that Joe Biden is unfit for office. Every elected Democrat in America is responsible for Joe Biden’s failed and reckless record that has created the border crisis, Bidenflation, and chaos and weakness around the world. President Trump will win this November to save America.”