Local politicians react to Biden’s exit from presidential race

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Following President Joe Biden’s announcement that he was withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race , local politicians are sharing their opinions.

Many local and regional lawmakers said this gives the Democratic Party a chance to reset and disrupt the dynamic.

Some have already thrown their support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.

“For me, it’s a unifying moment,” said Tennessee Senator London Lamar, D-Memphis.

Senator Lamar spoke with WREG hours after President Biden announced his exit from the race.

She said she’s ready to support his endorsement of Vice President Harris, the candidate she originally supported four years ago.

“Maternal health policies is one of the main things I champion at the state legislature, and she is the face for federal maternal health policy and advocacy,” Lamar said. “So, I will love to see her and her leadership in that position.”

U.S. Democratic Congressman Steve Cohen said in part of his statement, “President Biden has been one of our finest presidents.” He also said, “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.”

On the other side of the aisle, U.S. Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn said in part, “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. But he didn’t go far enough. If Joe is too weak to stay in the race for the presidency, he should resign as our Commander-in-Chief immediately.”

Congressman David Kustoff released a statement on X, formerly Twitter, saying, “By forcing Joe Biden off the ticket, Democrats have admitted what Americans already knew: Joe Biden is not fit to be President of the United States. The Biden-Harris Administration created the invasion at our southern border, skyrocketing inflation, and chaos on the world stage. America cannot handle four more years of this mayhem.”

Tennessee Representative Antonio Parkinson, D-Memphis, said the news will ignite his party.

“If the Vice President stays at the top of the ticket, that will excite the base here locally, because of course, with it being an African American woman,” Rep. Parkinson said.

Vice President Harris made history as the first woman and first woman of color to be vice president.

Rep. Parkinson welcomes the idea of her making history again, but he warns the race could get vicious.

“The hate groups and other organizations. The racism and all of that will really rise up because of the anger of the fact an African American woman could have the audacity to run for President of the United States,” Rep. Parkinson said.

Memphis Mayor Paul Young posted on X Sunday evening. He stated in part, “He has served our country with great skill and heart and this action shows that he is willing to continue to do what is in our best interest as a nation, and that is to allow a path for Kamala Harris to become the next president of the United States.”

Tennessee House Minority Leader Rep. Karen Camper, D-Memphis, stated in part, “President Biden’s leadership during these challenging times has been commendable, and his dedication to the principles of democracy and justice has been inspiring. We thank him for his steadfast resolve and the positive changes he has championed.”

She went on to say, “I fully support Vice President Harris in her bid to become the next President of the United States. Her 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.”

Rep. Camper also released a joint statement with Tennessee Senate Democratic Leader Sen. Akbari. They wrote, “We must unite behind Kamala Harris to defeat Trump and protect the future of our nation. Let us rally together and remember the urgency of this moment. Our collective efforts will ensure that our democracy thrives and that the values we cherish are upheld.”

Tennessee Rep. Justin Pearson, D-Memphis, stated on X, “I whole-heartedly endorse Vice President Harris for President of the United States.” He went on to write, “Thank you, President Biden for your leadership and courage and commitment to this country.”

The Democratic Party of Arkansas stated, “Arkansas Democrats are incredibly proud of President Joe Biden today, not only for his responsive and selfless decision to step aside, but also for his steadfast leadership and historic accomplishments as our President for the past four years. Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration, more than $4 billion is being invested in Arkansas. Democrats will continue our commitment to working for a better Arkansas.”

Tennessee Democratic Party Chair Hendrell Remus stated, “In 2020, while everyone around me was choosing sides and lining up behind their preferred Democratic candidates for President, I patiently awaited the entry of Vice President Joe Biden into the race. Once Vice President Biden entered the race, I was locked in and vowed that I was Ridin’ with Biden come hell or high water.”

He went on to say, “The next Democratic President will inherit a historic record of accomplishments to build on. Our party must do everything in its power to ensure that we protect President Biden’s legacy while fighting to make the lives of ordinary people better.”

Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (R-Kingsport) stated, “Joe Biden’s decision not to seek reelection confirms what I and many of my colleagues have known for years: Joe Biden is unfit to lead.”

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