Minnesota officials react to President Biden's decision to end reelection bid, Gov. Walz endorses Harris
MINNEAPOLIS — Top leaders from Minnesota are reacting to President Biden's decision to step down from his reelection bid and Gov. Tim Walz is throwing his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.
"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 my term," Mr. Biden posted in a statement on social media Sunday.
In the announcement, Biden said he is endorsing Harris to be the Democratic nominee. Harris confirmed she will seek the party's nomination, saying in a written statement she intends to "earn and win" the party's support.
Biden's decision comes days after a CBS News poll showed that former President Donald Trump's lead over Mr. Biden grew to the largest in the campaign thus far, and a week after Trump survived an assassination attempt.
Minnesota, Wisconsin leaders react
Sen. Amy Klobuchar
Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar was among the first leaders from Minnesota to respond to Mr. Biden's decision, saying "To President Biden, for his service, dedication, and commitment to our country and our democracy — thank you."
Klobuchar followed with a longer statement.
"President Biden has served with integrity and delivered results that will strengthen our country for generations to come," she said. "He passed historic legislation investing in our infrastructure, manufacturing and lowering the cost of prescription drugs. I am deeply grateful for his service, dedication, and commitment to our country and our democracy. President Biden is choosing the honorable path today."
In an interview with CBS News, Klobuchar endorsed Vice President Harris.
Gov. Tim Walz
"Joe Biden is and has always been an American hero," Walz said. "History will look fondly on his legacy."
Not long after the initial statement, Walz said the president's "stunning act of patriotism proves yet again why he's a better president and a better man than Donald Trump. Biden cares more about the country than he does about himself."
On Monday, Walz said he received a call from Harris and said she has his "full support."
"Let's go win this thing," he added.
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers
Wisconsin's governor, Tony Evers, released a statement on Monday where he endorsed Harris.
"Vice President Kamala Harris is a tenacious leader who has vigorously defended our democracy, fought to protect the freedoms we hold dear, and worked tirelessly to do the right thing and deliver for us. I'm excited today to endorse Vice President Harris as our nominee for President of the United States. She can beat Donald Trump, and I'm going to do everything I can between now and November 5th to help make sure she does."
Rep. Tom Emmer
Republican Rep. Tom Emmer called on Biden to "step down from office immediately."
"If the Democrat party has deemed Joe Biden unfit to run for re-election, he's certainly unfit to control our nuclear codes," Emmer said.
Minnesota Republican Party
The state Republican Party echoed Emmer.
"After the Democrats — including [Walz] — spent months lying to the American people that Biden was fit to run for re-election, he has finally dropped out," the party said. "But why is he still fit to be the President of the US if he's not fit to be a candidate? Biden must resign immediately."
DFL Chair Ken Martin
Minnesota DFL Chair Ken Martin called Biden's decision "an extraordinary act of selflessness and leadership from a president who has built an equally extraordinary legacy."
"He saved our economy, passed the most significant climate policies in our nation's history, lowered prescription drug prices for seniors, and defended our democracy at its most vulnerable moment. Few presidents in American history have done more for our country than Joe Biden," Martin said. "As we thank President Biden for his service and for everything he has done for our country, we must also look ahead to the existential stakes in November. Our party must now rally behind Vice-President Harris and emerge as a united front ready to defeat Donald Trump."
Rep. Ilhan Omar
Rep. Ilhan Omar, who remained supportive of Mr. Biden even after his heavily criticized debate performance, thanked the president.
"This was the president's decision to make and I'm grateful for his years of service to our country," Rep. Ilhan Omar said. "Thrilled to support Kamala Harris as our Democratic nominee and remain committed to working alongside her to defeat Donald Trump in November."
Rep. Dean Phillips
Rep. Dean Phillips, who staged a primary bid against Mr. Biden before dropping out in March following sound defeats across the country, called the president "an American hero and patriot whose legacy will rank among the most important in our history."
"I entered the primary in the spirit of Paul Revere, not George Washington, and cannot wait to get to work for the new Democratic ticket, defeat Donald Trump, and win majorities in Congress this November. Giddy up," Phillips said.
On Tuesday, Phillips endorsed Harris after earlier calling for a "transparent, competitive process" to select a new nominee.
"I'm excited and energized to mobilize behind Kamala Harris and do everything I can to defeat Donald Trump in November," he wrote on social media. "It's time for a new American generation to restore optimism, attack injustice, and invest in prosperity — for all. The choice is stark, the time is short, and the future bright!"
Sen. Tina Smith
Sen. Tina Smith called Biden "a patriot who has always put his country first.
"He saved our democracy, and he has led one of the most consequential administrations in my lifetime," Smith said. "The work is not done; in fact it is just beginning. I proudly and enthusiastically support Vice President Harris, whom I believe is the very best person in this moment to unify the Democratic Party and lead us forward to victory."
Attorney General Keith Ellison
"Joe Biden defeated Trump, pulled America through the pandemic, revitalized the economy and much more," Attorney General Keith Ellison said. "He pulled America away from MAGA hate and division, and he signed historic bills on infrastructure legislation, inflation reduction, and civil rights for all into law."
Ellison later confirmed that he was endorsing Harris.
"Harris is a fantastic choice to lead the Democratic ticket," Ellison said in a campaign statement "She fought to protect consumers as California's attorney general. She worked to improve public safety as a district attorney. She stood up for our democracy in the Senate. And there has been no more effective champion for reproductive rights than Vice President Harris. I'm confident Kamala Harris will lead our party to victory in November and continue to do great things for America as our next president. But it's up to us to make sure she gets there."
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey
"President Biden has gotten more done in a first term than any president in recent history," Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said. "He has put our nation first in every decision and this decision is exemplary of that mentality. I'm grateful for his service and we all should be."
Sen. Tammy Baldwin
Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin, a Democrat, said in part, "It has been an honor to work with Joe Biden to deliver real, meaningful change for working Wisconsinites across our state ... Throughout all of that work, I've been inspired by his decency, integrity, and dedication to service, and I am deeply grateful for that. Thank you, President Biden."
Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan
"Thank you for everything, President Biden," Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan said. "I appreciate your deep commitment to our country, public service, and your deep empathy and compassion for people. Our nation is indebted to you. Your wisdom is your legacy. Miigwech."
Rep. Angie Craig
"I've long admired President Joe Biden for the way he believes in the good of America. It's a belief that drove him to pursue a career in public service, a career dedicated to building the coalitions needed to defend democratic values – at home and across the world," Craig said. "And it's a belief that led him to make the challenging – but necessary – decision to step aside as the Democratic nominee for President. The President's decision today will allow for the next generation of party leadership to step forward and address the unique and pressing challenges facing our country. Thank you, Mr. President."
Craig was one of the first Democrats from Minnesota to call on Mr. Biden to end his campaign for a second term, just days after the first presidential debate. She cited his lackluster performance and what she called a "lack of forceful response."
On Friday, Rep. Betty McCollum also called for Mr. Biden to step down and went further by pushing for Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to join the new ticket. She said Vice President Harris should be the new Democratic nominee for president, with Walz as her vice presidential nominee.
Two senior House Democrats told CBS News on Thursday that they believed Mr. Biden could leave the 2024 presidential race in just days, after a pressure campaign from top lawmakers in his own party, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Mr. Biden tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday. The White House had said he had mild symptoms and was self-isolating at his home in Delaware.