President Joe Biden has dropped out of the presidential race , he said in a post on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Sunday afternoon.
"It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And 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 focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term," the post read.
Biden said he would address the nation later this week with more details as to why he bowed out of the race.
The withdrawal comes after weeks of mounting pressure from those within the Democratic party who believed Biden no longer had a path to re-election and about a month before the start of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago .
In the wake of the news, elected Democratic leaders from Memphis and Shelby County and across Tennessee expressed gratitude for Biden's leadership but also threw around some names of possible replacements for the Democratic nominee for president.
Many local leaders threw their support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.
Tennessee's two Republican U.S. Senators also weighed in on the president's decision Sunday afternoon.
Sen. Raumesh Akbari
State Sen. Raumesh Arkbari took to X as well and said she was "disappointed," and had been looking forward to four more years with Biden.
"Well, I’m completely shocked and disappointed. In the last three years, the #Biden administration has accomplished so much. Was looking forward to another 4 years," Akbari wrote.
She also said in the post she hoped for "all parties to unite behind" Harris.
Memphis City Councilwoman Jerri Green
Memphis City Councilwoman Jerri Green kept her message about the matter short, by simply posting a photo of Harris with the words "Let's go" and "#OneToughMother" on the social media platform X.
Sen. London Lamar
State Sen. London Lamar posted on X that she wanted to be put on Harris' campaign team.
U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn
U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, a Republican, posted a thread on X about Biden stepping out of the race.
"Finally, Joe Biden has realized what the rest of the American People and even his own party already knew―he is not only the wrong leader for America, but is wholly incapable of doing the job of President of the United States," Blackburn wrote.
U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen
Congressman Steve Cohen wrote in a text to The USA Today Network-Tennessee and posted on social media that Biden has "done the right thing for the country and the world."
"His presidency will be seen as the most impactful since Lyndon Johnson. Infrastructure, the environment, healthcare and historic minority appointments as well as restoring international ties that strengthen democracy. He has been very good for Memphis with the $393 million for the new bridge across the river as well as other infrastructure investments, and judicial appointments of the finest caliber," Cohen said.
Cohen echoed much of what he posted on X in a later statement. He praised investments made by various legislative pieces Biden has pushed through Congress in his term and the impact they have made on Memphis.
“Tennessee’s Ninth District has felt the great impact of President Biden’s work. Memphis will have a new bridge as was just announced last week, there have been major investments in MATA, the Memphis International Airport has undergone a generational transformation with even more upgrades on the way, and we’ve been able to secure funding for important community projects in TN-9 — like housing, support for the homeless, healthcare, criminal justice, post-incarceration counseling, and education," the statement read.
State Rep. Antonio Parkinson
Tennessee Rep. Antonio Parkinson also threw his support behind Harris in the wake of Biden dropping out. The post included a photo of himself with Harris.
"Let's go Kamala Harris for President," Parkinson wrote in a post on X.
State Rep. Karen Camper
Tennessee State Rep. and House Minority Leader Karen Camper expressed gratitude for Biden and his "unwavering service to our country."
"Throughout his tenure, he has kept his commitment to the American people, delivering on numerous campaign promises that have led to substantial progress in our society," Camper's statement read.
Camper also endorsed Harris's bid for the Democratic nomination, echoing similar sentiments to those of other Tennessee and Memphis Democratic leaders.
"(Harris's) commitment to equality, justice, and the well-being of all Americans reflects the values we hold dear. Together, we will work to ensure a brighter future for our country," said Camper in the statement.
Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris
Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris thanked Biden for his "many years of service" on X. He also said there are several more months to create change.
U.S. Sen, Bill Hagerty
U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty, a Republican, posted a series of posts on X. Hagerty said that Biden is "endangering" the nation by staying in the presidental office in the wake of stepping out of the race.
He also said that Harris, who Biden has endorsed in his place, is responsible for the "worst border crisis in our nation’s history."
"The American people have been lied to time and time again, and now, we have a President who just admitted to being unfit for the job," one post read.
Shelby County Commissioner Charlie Caswell
Shelby County Commission Vice Chair Charlie Caswell posted on Facebook that he is proud to endorse Harris for president, but did not say anything about Biden bowing out of the race.
Reporter Vivian Jones contributed to this story.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis, Shelby County leaders react to President Joe Biden dropping out of 2024 race
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