Pennsylvania politicians, leaders react to President Biden dropping out of 2024 race
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- President Biden announced Sunday that he is dropping out of the 2024 presidential race. Pennsylvania elected leaders reacted to the announcement.
Democrats react to the president's decision
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said on X, formerly Twitter, "President Biden is a patriot who has served our country honorably in the Senate, as Vice President, and as one of the most consequential presidents in modern history. President Biden has gotten an incredible amount done to move our country forward, defend our democracy, and protect real freedom. I am proud to work by his side and am grateful for his leadership and his unwavering commitment to delivering for Pennsylvania — the Commonwealth that raised him."
Hours later, Shapiro endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president, in part: "I've known Kamala Harris for nearly two decades – we've both been prosecutors, we've both stood up for the rule of law, we've both fought for the people and delivered results. Kamala Harris is a patriot worthy of our support and she will continue the work of generations of Americans who came before us to perfect our union, protect our democracy, and advance real freedom. She has served the country honorably as vice president and she is ready to be president."
Sen. Bob Casey, who represents Pennsylvania, said on social media, "President Biden has always dedicated himself to improving the lives of Americans. He deserves our gratitude for his historic achievements, including rebuilding our economy after the pandemic and delivering the largest infrastructure investment in modern history. He has had an exemplary career in public service. He is a patriot who has always put our country first."
On Monday, Sen. John Fetterman joined the masses and echoed his support for Harris in a short tweet, writing: "Proud to support and be all in for the next president, @KamalaHarris." The tweet included a Harris campaign graphic with the words "Let's win this. Harris for President" in a red and blue font.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker on Monday endorsed Harris, writing in a statement that the VP is "prepared to meet this moment and more than ready to lead on Day One!"
Rep. Brendan F. Boyle said in a statement, "President Joe Biden is a patriot. He selflessly put personal ambition aside to do what he thinks is best for our country. Today and every day, both in dark passages and bright days, I am always proud to be one of Joe Biden's biggest supporters."
Rep. Dwight D. Evans, who represents part of Philadelphia in Congress, said on X, "I am deeply grateful for President Joe Biden's service to our country. Having led landmark legislation like the Violence Against Women Act as a senator and served as vice president for eight years, he stepped up again in 2020 ... to end the disastrous tenure of Donald Trump and clean up the mess and chaos that Trump left behind. President Biden and Vice President @VP Harris have delivered for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the nation with accomplishments I've been proud to vote for in Congress ..."
Chester County Democratic Committee Chair Charlotte Valyo said in a statement in part, "To say that this must have been a difficult decision for the president is an understatement. Once again, President Biden has shown everyone the unselfish and honorable person he is, putting our nation and party above self-interest. ... Now we will unite behind Vice President Kamala Harris, who President Biden has endorsed and is well qualified and deserving of being elected the first woman president."
Philadelphia City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier: "President Joe Biden worked tirelessly for Philadelphia and delivered on a historic scale. He invested billions of dollars into our city's future. And I will never forget how he and Vice President Kamala Harris stood up for our fundamental rights, led us out of the pandemic, rebuilt our economy, boldly invested in infrastructure and sustainability, and defended democracy. We all owe President Biden a debt of gratitude for his decades of service to our nation. I can't wait to see what he and the Vice President accomplish during the next six months of their term."
Delaware Sen. Coons reacts
Delaware Sen. Chris Coons, a close ally of Biden and campaign co-chair, said on X, "President Biden has an incredible record of public service. He has been the most consequential president of my lifetime, and his legacy of putting his country before himself is only strengthened by his hard decision today to step aside as a candidate for president."
Coons continued, "I look forward to working with President Biden this fall as Democrats unite to defeat Donald Trump, and I will work hand-in-hand with him as he continues his important efforts to strengthen the middle class at home and our nation's standing abroad."