Valley leaders react to President Biden dropping out of 2024 presidential race

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Local politicians across the Rio Grande Valley are reacting to the news of President Joe Biden dropping out of the 2024 presidential election.

Biden made the announcement Sunday afternoon on X. A few moments later he announced his endorsement for Vice President Kamala Harris to run as the Democratic nominee.

Below are a few statements from Valley leaders on the topic:

Former U.S. Rep. Mayra Flores, (R)

“Vicente Gonzalez has praised Biden and his policies for years, even doubling down on his support after Biden’s disastrous debate. Gonzalez and Biden are to blame for the border crisis and inflation, and Gonzalez supported these Biden policies even when he knew Biden was unfit to serve. This November, it’s time to show Gonzalez the door and bring in new leadership for South Texas.”

U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, (D) Texas District 28, represents Starr County

“I would like to thank President Biden for his leadership. His presidency has seen the passage of key legislation that has boosted our economy, modernized our infrastructure, and offered much-needed support to our veterans. I look forward to supporting the next Democratic nominee for President.”

U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz, (R) Texas District 15, represents Hidalgo Couny

“This scandal epitomizes everything that is wrong with Washington. President Biden’s cognitive decline did not happen overnight. It is obvious that power-hungry D.C. insiders waited until the primary process was over to handpick a replacement in their desperation to stop President Trump. This maneuver raises deeply troubling questions. If President Biden is unfit to stand for an election that is only four months away, how is he fit to remain in office now? Who, exactly, is running the federal government? The American people deserve answers. Whether their new nominee is Kamala Harris or someone else, voters will hold them accountable for this corrupt administration’s failed agenda that has led to record inflation, an unprecedented border crisis, and rising crime. If you are tired of these political games, I invite you to join me in supporting President Trump.”

Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa, Brownsville native

“Today, President Joe Biden’s announcement to not seek reelection affirms the Democratic Party’s commitment to the fundamental American idea that no one man nor any one party comes before the interests of our nation and the people of the United States. The President’s decision does not come lightly, and does not discredit the momentous contributions that President Joe Biden delivered over the last four years and through decades of service. The path forward is clear: Democrats, Independents and Republicans alike must unite, mobilize and vote to once again reject Donald Trump, whose extreme defining principles are in opposition to the values of the middle class.”

Cameron County Republican Party Chairwoman

Just three short days after an absolutely electrifying Republican National Convention, President Joe Biden’s official announcement that he will no longer seek reelection does not come as a surprise. The world has watched the steady decline of President Biden the past 3 1/2 years and the Democratic Party has been forced to face the music — their would-be nominee is not viable. Nothing demonstrated this more clearly than his calamitous debate last month.

Much has happened in the world of American politics in the past four weeks, but most notable was the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. This tragedy only bolstered the immense momentum that Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has surrounding his campaign and consequently solidified the Democrat Party’s need to regroup and produce a viable presidential candidate.

I do not believe that anyone who has been watching the news was shocked by today’s announcement. It has been a long time coming but regardless of whomever the Democratic presidential nominee is, the message of “America first” continues to resonate strongly with Americans who so desperately want a change. There will only be one candidate on the presidential ticket this Novemeber that has and will prioritize America and that is Donald J. Trump.”

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