EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Reaction is pouring in after President Joe Biden’s stunning announcement on Sunday that he’s exiting the presidential race.

12 News is gathering reaction from local leaders. Check back for updates.

RI Gov. Dan McKee

“President Biden made a selfless and noble decision. We are forever grateful for his lifetime of service, compassionate leadership and all he has done for our country. His presidency will be remembered as one of the most impactful in our nation’s history.”

Mass. Gov. Maura Healey

“Joe Biden ran for President to restore the soul of our country and defeat the greatest threat our democracy has ever seen. And that’s exactly what he did.

“Few could have risen to the challenge the way Joe Biden has. He has restored our economy, defended our freedoms, and protected democracy at home and abroad. He has led with decency, empathy and brought Americans together.

“President Biden’s decision today not to seek reelection is the ultimate example of putting the country first — something Joe Biden has done over and over again in his unparalleled career. We are all deeply grateful to President Biden for his lifetime of service.

“Thank you, Mr. President.”

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo

“Joe Biden has been an extraordinary president and leader.

“He’s a man of faith and principle—with a rare combination of political instinct and dignity.

“History will show he was one of the most effective presidents we’ve had. I couldn’t be prouder to serve in his Administration.”

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse

“With unmatched mettle, President Biden has achieved far more for working people in one term than many of his predecessors did over a lifetime. I will always be grateful for President Biden’s leadership on climate and his courage to do the right thing for our country in all circumstances. History will remember Joe Biden as a giant of the Senate, of the vice presidency, and of the presidency.

“Let no one underestimate how hard this was. I salute the man.”

Sen. Jack Reed

“Joe Biden is a remarkable president and a principled public servant.  He and the First Lady are great Americans.

“President Biden deftly guided the nation through grave challenges like the pandemic, the assault on the U.S. Capitol, and economic turbulence.  Americans looked to Joe Biden for decency, hope and guidance and he delivered: righting the ship of state and setting the table for broad, sustainable progress.  His leadership helped revitalize the economy and he restored American leadership on the world stage.  President Biden’s achievements are many.  He’s already accomplished more in one term than most presidents achieve in two.

“Today’s decision cements Joe’s legacy as a selfless leader.

“President Biden remains a man of unfaltering character, faith, and fierce determination.  He is passing the torch, but his example and optimism will continue to unite us and guide us toward a brighter future and a better tomorrow.”

Sen. Elizabeth Warren

“Joe Biden’s presidency has been transformational. He accomplished more in the past four years — to bring back jobs, stand up to big corporations, and build an economy that works for all of us — than we have been able to get done in the last forty. He deserves full credit for beating Donald Trump in 2020, and his selfless decision today gives us our best shot at doing it again in 2024. While Donald Trump tried to tear down our democracy to maintain his grip on power, Joe Biden willingly stepped aside in order to protect our democracy. President Biden’s selfless action is a profound gift to the people of the United States – and it’s on all of us not to waste it.

“I endorse Kamala Harris for President. She is a proven fighter who has been a national leader in safeguarding consumers and protecting access to abortion. As a former prosecutor, she can press a forceful case against allowing Donald Trump to regain the White House. We have many talented people in our party, but Vice President Harris is the person who was chosen by the voters to succeed Joe Biden if needed.  She can unite our party, take on Donald Trump, and win in November.”

Sen. Ed Markey

“From reunifying NATO, to passing the largest climate investment in our nation’s history, President Joe Biden has helped save democracy and the planet,

“When confronted with a coronavirus pandemic that was taking lives and livelihoods, President Biden passed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan and infused billions of dollars into our small businesses and cities and towns, ramped up vaccine production, and ensured that our hospitals and health care workers had the resources they needed.

“When confronted with crumbling roads, bridges, highways, and a reimagining of a 21st century transportation system, President Biden passed the $1 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the single largest investment in repairing and reconstructing our nation’s bridges since the construction of the interstate highway system and the largest federal investment in public transit in history.

“When confronted with a judicial system tainted by two stolen Supreme Court seats and a Trump-stacked court system, President Biden got more than 200 federal judges confirmed so far—the most of any president in their first term since the Ronald Reagan, and twice as many as Trump appointed during his first year.

“His administration already has created more than 15 million jobs, including the largest year of job growth in American history. He rejoined the Paris climate agreement. He paused federal executions. He finally made lynching a federal crime. He ended the ban on openly transgender people serving in our military. He ensured that the first over-the-counter birth control pills hit American stores this year. He increased small business loans by 45 percent and directed 35 percent of all microloans to Black businesses. He pardoned all prior federal offenses of marijuana possession. He enshrined marriage equality for same-sex and interracial couples. He forgave student debt for five million Americans. And together, we made Juneteenth a national holiday.

“It has been hard work, and there is more to do, but under the leadership of President Biden we are meeting the great challenges of our times. President Joe Biden has an unmatched record in modern U.S. history, and I am forever grateful for his service and friendship.”

Congressman Gabe Amo

“Throughout President Joe Biden’s 50-year career in public service, especially over these last three and a half years, he has achieved historic progress for the American people.

“President Biden returned compassion and decency to the Oval Office. He led historic investments in the American people and our communities. He demonstrated American leadership abroad. And most importantly, he selflessly defended democracy and fought for the soul of our nation.

“I will always be proud to have worked in President Biden’s White House. I look forward to talking with my colleagues about the path forward and the best process to make sure that Kamala Harris is elected our next President, but today, let’s celebrate all the work that we’ve done — and the fierce urgency to continue that work.”

Congressman Seth Magaziner

“I am grateful for the leadership of President Biden, who has delivered for the American people by lowering prescription drug costs, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy, reviving American manufacturing, expanding veterans benefits, standing up for democracy at home and abroad, and so much more. With today’s announcement, President Biden is putting the good of our country ahead of his own personal interest — something that Donald Trump would never do.

“As we move forward, Democrats must quickly unite our party and the country behind a new nominee with a vision for the future. We have more work to do to lower housing and energy costs, protect and expand Social Security and Medicare, and make Roe the law of the land once again.

“We know who Donald Trump is and what he stands for: even more tax breaks for billionaires and huge corporations, banning abortion and IVF, letting insurance companies kick people off their coverage for a preexisting condition, and enriching himself and his friends. His radical plan to take away Americans’ constitutionally protected rights and freedoms is wrong for America.

“I look forward to supporting our Democratic nominee, doing everything in my power to elect a President who will fight for working people, and ensuring that Donald Trump does not return to the Oval Office.”

Congressman Jake Auchincloss

“Joe Biden is the first president in U.S. history who has had to defend democracy at home & abroad simultaneously. He has done so admirably.

“Thank you for your service, Mr. President. Now let’s win.”

Congressman Bill Keating

“Joe Biden will go down as one of the most effective Presidents in our history. Inflation is down, the stock market is at an all-time high, and Joe Biden’s term as President has not just been a success, but a historic success in moving us from the economic and healthcare crisis of the pandemic to the number one economy in the world. As if the last four years didn’t already make it clear, today firmly demonstrates that Joe Biden is the antithesis of Donald Trump, putting country ahead of personal ambition.

As our country faces threats to our personal, civil, and financial rights from the prospect of a Trump-Vance administration, I am excited to support Vice President Harris as our Democratic nominee. A Harris Presidency will protect women’s reproductive rights, protect Medicare, and continue to cut prescription drug costs and expand healthcare access for all – and a Harris Presidency will keep our nation safer and more secure from global threats. As great as the accomplishments of the past three and a half years have been, Kamala Harris will take those successes forward into the next four years.”

Sen. Ed Markey

“From reunifying NATO, to passing the largest climate investment in our history, President Joe Biden has helped save democracy and the planet. He has a record unmatched in modern U.S. history, and I am forever grateful for his service and friendship.”

RI Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos

“President Biden has been one of the most effective presidents in our nation’s history. I have been proud to support him and thank him for everything he has done for this country. Thank you [President Biden].”

RI Secretary of State Gregg Amore

“‘History says, don’t hope On this side of the grave. But then, once in a lifetime The longed-for tidal wave Of justice can rise up, And hope and history rhyme. So hope for a great sea-change -On the far side of revenge. Believe that further shore is reachable from here.’

“Thank you [President Joe Biden] for placing country above self. It is a rare person, no matter the circumstances and pressures, who at the height of power is reflective enough to set ego aside and do the right thing. History will be kind to the 46th President of the United States.”

RI General Treasurer James Diossa

“President [Joe Biden] has served our country for over 50 years, always with its best interests at heart. His decision to step aside is yet another tribute to how he continues to put our country first. I am grateful for his immense contributions.”

RI House Speaker Joe Shekarchi

“President Biden has served with honor and distinction throughout his long career and I thank him for his devotion to our nation.  I am extremely grateful for all the support he gave to Rhode Island to help us through the pandemic by providing invaluable relief for housing, health care, education, infrastructure and small business assistance.

“President Biden is a man of great courage and compassion who put our nation first in making this decision and we should support him for the remainder of his term.  Today is a day to show our respect and gratitude to him as we look forward to ensuring a Democrat remain in the White House.”

RI Senate President Dominick Ruggerio

“I am extremely grateful to President Biden for his lifetime of service. His leadership has brought historic progress for our nation, and made a tremendous positive impact on our state. Thank you, President Biden, for your selfless devotion to our nation.”

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley

“President Biden has dedicated his life to bettering our country, and I join my colleagues across the country and around the world in thanking him for his extraordinary service. From revitalizing our economy, to passing unprecedented climate legislation, to making historic infrastructure investments, to helping cities like Providence build back better after the pandemic, the Biden-Harris administration has an exemplary record of accomplishment over the past four years. Democracy is on the ballot this November, and it’s time to come together as a party and prevent a return to the disastrous Trump years. I look forward to hearing from the President later this week.”

R.I. Republican Party

“President Joe Biden has announced his withdrawal from the presidential race, leaving the Democratic Party in total turmoil. Despite the chaos, the Republican Party stands united and resolute behind President Donald J. Trump, a leader with a proven track record of success.

“We wish President Joe Biden well as he transitions from office. However, it doesn’t matter who the Democrats offer in his place. It has been the policies of the Democratic Party that has caused record inflation, open borders, a terrible green deal to include off-shore wind turbines that have littered our beaches causing record environmental change and brought us on the verge of World War III. We have the solid, proven leadership of President Trump, who has consistently delivered on his promises to Make America Wealthy, Strong, Safe and Great Again.

“Under President Trump’s leadership, the Republican Party has championed the working class, creating jobs and opportunities for millions. His administration’s policies have brought back manufacturing jobs, reduced unemployment to record lows, and achieved energy independence.

“Now is the time for all Americans to come together. President Trump’s vision transcends partisan lines, ensuring safety, prosperity, and strength for our nation. The Republican Party is not just the party of the people; it is the party for all Americans.”

R.I. Young Republicans

“VP Kamala is a part of the failed border policy, policies resulting in crushing inflation, and has left us on the brink of World War. That is the agenda of the Democratic Party while Republicans are focused on making this country strong again, safer again, and wealthy again. Lastly, if Biden understands he cannot run this country for four more years then he needs to resign immediately.”

Massachusetts Democratic Party

“President Joe Biden will go down in history as one of the greatest leaders our nation has ever had. In the decades that he has spent in service to the American people, there has been no one more committed to decency, no one more fluent in compassion, no one more fervent in his dedication to each and every cause that might improve the lives of the people he represents.

“It takes a man of great honor and breathtaking humility to commit his entire life to the service of others, and we are incredibly lucky to have a President who possesses perhaps the greatest trait of any leader; the willingness to relinquish a position of power and allow another to take his place.

“The Biden Administration has been some of the most progressive years in our nation’s history. Joe Biden led us through a pandemic, codified same-sex marriage into law, championed student loan forgiveness, and passed a bipartisan infrastructure law that infused funds into countless communities. And he did it all with the same down-to-earth, empathetic style that caused the people of Delaware to elect him to the Senate back in 1972.

“And now, by making the selfless choice to step aside, he has set the Democratic Party on a course for the future in which all of us, everywhere, are motivated not by preservation of the status quo, but by those bold, decisive, but necessary actions by which we change society for the better.

“Joe Biden believes in a better world, in a world that views us all as equals and aims always to preserve our rights and freedom. Soon, there will be more to be said about the man he beat to take the White House, and the urgency of the work that must be done to ensure the poison he aims to spread across this country is resoundingly rejected. For now, though, our message is this: Thank you, President Biden.”

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