Florida lawmakers, political leaders react to Biden's decision to drop out of 2024 presidential race

MIAMI — President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he is dropping his reelection bid in the 2024 presidential race, sending shockwaves across the country.

Mr. Biden's decision comes after his performance in the first presidential debate at the end of June, which left many members of his own party questioning whether he was capable of defeating former President Donald Trump in November and serving a second four-year term.

Pressure soon grew for him to step aside, with an increasing list of Democratic party leaders and lawmakers openly musing about replacing him on the ticket.

Following his announcement this Sunday, Mr. Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic nominee, upending the campaign and hurtling Democrats toward a complicated and potentially divisive process to replace him.

Meanwhile, in Florida, prominent lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle are sharing their reactions to Sunday's announcement.

Florida Republicans on Biden's announcement

Gov. Ron DeSantis, who had previously ran for the Republican presidential nomination, reacted to Mr. Biden's announcement to drop out and his endorsement of Harris, saying on X that she was "complicit in a massive coverup to hide and deny" that the president was incapable of holding office.

"Democrats are just rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic," he said.

Rep. Carlos Gimenez shared the president's letter on X, calling on Mr. Biden to not only step down but also resign.

"If Joe Biden isn't capable enough to seek re-election, he's not [capable] enough to remain serving as our President," he said.

Florida's Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis also shared Mr. Biden's letter on X, calling his announcement "the best thing for America."

"It's time for a real leader. It's time for President Trump," he said.

Sen. Rick Scott also reacted on X and called for Mr. Biden's resignation.

"If Joe Biden can't run for re-election, he is not capable of serving as president for the next six months and needs to resign NOW!" he said.

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez shared a statement on X reacting to Mr. Biden's announcement, thanking him for "his years of service and for acknowledging what is now apparent."

"Our nation needs energetic and engaged leadership," he stated. "President Trump remains the best person to lead our nation with energy, strength, and vision."

Suarez continued, stating that it has become clear that Mr. Biden "isn't capable of governing and or campaigning."

"It should have never come to this," he stated.

In a statement shared online, Florida Republican Party Chair Evan Power said Mr. Biden's announcement confirmed that "[Democratic] leadership has failed Americans by propping up someone unfit to do the job."

"Meanwhile, Republicans are united behind President Trump," he stated. "It doesn't matter which empty suit they put forward—we will win."

Florida Democrats on Biden dropping out

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava shared a statement on X, saying that Mr. Biden's 2020 campaign was a "fight for the soul of America" and saw the president's "commanding and compassionate leadership" throughout his administration, citing how he comforted the families impacted by the Surfside condo collapse in 2021 and his investment in local and national infrastructure.

"Miami-Dade County, and the entire nation, are better because of President Joe Biden's steadfast leadership," she said.

Cava added that Mr. Biden showed the world "the grit of the American spirit" by putting "country above party" and thanked him for his "selfless leadership with a commitment to unify" Americans.

"His leadership will be forever written in history books," she said.

Rep. Jared Moskowitz also shared Mr. Biden's letter on X, calling him a "patriot and one of the most successful public servants in American history."  

"His record of service may never be seen again," he said.

In a later X post, Moskowitz threw his support behind Harris and endorsed her as the Democratic nominee.

Rep. Frederica Wilson also shared her support for Mr. Biden's decision to endorse Harris, saying that she has served as an "extraordinary vice president."

"She is more than qualified to be President, having served as Vice President, U.S. Senator, California's Attorney General, and District Attorney of San Francisco, " she said. "She is tested, ready and I'm proud to stand with our next President of the United States."

Former Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, who is running for U.S. Senate, shared her statement on X, thanking Mr. Biden for his "lifetime of service." She added that the U.S. "has never been stronger" since the Biden administration, citing multiple achievements Mr. Biden and his cabinet has made so far in his term.

"President Biden has defined what it means to be a patriot and dedicated public servant," Mucarsel-Powell said. "As he has done for his entire career, President Biden is putting the good of the American people and our democracy first."

She continued, stating that Americans should "follow his example," shared her support of Mr. Biden's endorsement of Harris and that citizens should "continue to fight for the freedom, democracy, and opportunities that brought so many of us to this incredible nation."

Nikki Fried, the chairwoman of the Florida Democratic Party, thanked Mr. Biden on X for his service.

"Joe Biden will be remembered as one of the greatest presidents of our lifetimes — the nation is eternally grateful," she said. "Now, the Democratic Party must be more united than ever to defeat Donald Trump."

In:
• South Florida
• Joe Biden
• Kamala Harris
• Elections
• Politics
• Florida
• 2024 Elections