Virginia leaders react to Biden not running for reelection

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Virginia leaders have begun posting their reactions after President Joe Biden announced Sunday afternoon that he is not running for reelection .

Don Scott, Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, posted his thoughts about President Biden’s leadership skills on the social media platform X.

“Thank you, Joe Biden for your unwavering belief in America. Thank you for the exemplary way you have led. At a time when America’s very democracy was challenged, you calmed the country and brought us through a devastating crisis and put us back on track. I’m very grateful to you, sir,” Scott said.

Attorney General of Virginia Jason Miyares adopted a different point of view , even going so far as to call for President Biden’s resignation.

“If Joe Biden believes he’s not physically capable of serving as president in January ‘25 it really means he’s not capable now and needs to resign. We can’t afford any more weak leadership,” Miyares said in the second portion of his statement.

Mark Warner, U.S. Senator from Virginia, released a statement that not only addressed President Biden’s decision to step aside but supported Vice President Kamala Harris as a candidate.

“President Biden has made historic contributions to our nation. His love of country and loyalty to the American people has been unwavering. He will undoubtedly go down in the history books as a true American patriot. After all he’s done, I respect President Biden’s difficult decision to step aside in this upcoming election, and I look forward to hearing more from him later this week. While there has to be an orderly process and the decision ultimately rests in the hands of the DNC delegates, I believe Vice President Harris has the experience, energy, and resolve to lead our nation,” Warner said.

Governor Glenn Youngkin posted a statement reflecting his disapproval of the Biden and Harris administration.

“Make no mistake, whether it’s border czar Kamala Harris or someone else, it’s the Biden/Harris Administration’s weak leadership and resulting chaos around the world and here at home that is on the ballot this November. It’s time for our nation to now come together with resolve to secure our borders, structure safe communities, grow an economy that lifts up all Americans and restores peace through strength,” Youngkin said.

President Biden stepping aside means that delegates — including those for Virginia — will have to change their votes as local lawmakers and governors might be putting their own names into the candidate discussion.

This is a developing story, stay with 8News for updates.

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