RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — As President Joe Biden made the extraordinary announcement Sunday that he would no longer seek re-election , several North Carolina politicians released statements about the matter.
Biden’s decision comes after a debate with Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump drew attention to the current president’s age and mental acuity.
Reaction Sunday came from various officeholders across North Carolina, including Governor Roy Cooper, who has been mentioned as a possible vice-presidential running mate with Kamala Harris, who Biden threw his support behind later Sunday afternoon.
Statements from North Carolina politicians:
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper , who is not running for re-election because of term limits
“President Biden has cemented his place among our nation’s finest Presidents. When our democracy faced danger, President Biden stood strong as the rarest type of leader who could help us forge ahead with a vision to repair our country’s soul.
He was able to pass transformative legislation that will benefit our economy, our families, and our country for generations to come. Just as impactful as the laws he passed, though, is his ability to listen to everyday people, relate to their struggles, and give them hope. I’m deeply grateful to call President Joe Biden my friend, and I thank him from the bottom of my heart for his service to our great nation.”
NC Gov. Cooper remains on short list of potential Harris running mates, reports say Josh Stein, North Carolina Attorney General and Democratic nominee for Governor
“President Biden has put the American people first throughout his historic career — as senator, vice president, and president.
“His vast record of accomplishments include the Violence Against Women Act, historic expansion of healthcare access, record-breaking job growth across the country and in North Carolina, bipartisan infrastructure investments that will strengthen our economy for years to come, and the most consequential clean energy legislation in history.
“President Biden is a true patriot. His decision today exemplifies his commitment to always putting the country before himself. I thank him for his remarkable service to our nation.”
Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC-9th Dist.) National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman
“This is a scandal of historic proportions – our president is incapacitated, Democrats knew, and they lied to the American people to cover it up. Voters will neither forgive nor forget the ultimate betrayal of their trust.
“Judgment day is coming in November, when Americans will hand down Democrats’ ultimate punishment: Donald Trump in the White House and a larger House Republican majority,” Hudson wrote, adding, “If the president is mentally unfit to campaign, he is mentally unfit to have the nuclear codes. Every House Democrat must now answer: is the president fit to serve the rest of his term?”
Rep. Deborah Ross (D-2nd District)
“Joe Biden is the most consequential president of the past 50 years. He brought our country back from a devastating pandemic, lifted our economy from the depths of a crushing recession, and ushered in a new era of progress that will benefit the American people for generations to come. From the American Rescue Plan to the Inflation Reduction Act to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, President Biden accomplished what many thought was impossible and made crucial investments in our future. During a time of division, he brought leaders together across stark partisan and ideological lines to get big things done for the future of America.
“Above all, President Biden is a dedicated, selfless public servant who has always put the needs of the American people first. Today, he continued to do just that and solidified his legacy of leadership and service.
“The path forward is clear– we must unite behind Vice President Kamala Harris to defeat Donald Trump. Together, we can win in November and build on the historic progress forged by President Biden.”
Rep. Alma Adams (D-12th District)
“The Biden-Harris Administration has been one of the most successful, most accomplished presidential administrations and President Biden has served our citizens well. I am thankful for his leadership and support his final decision. It is imperative that we keep this good governance going.”
Rep. Wiley Nickel (D-13th District) — not running for re-election
“President Biden saved our democracy in 2020 with the defeat of Donald Trump, and in this moment has done exactly what’s needed to protect it again.
“Joe Biden’s courage and willingness to do what’s right for our country – despite the personal cost – will go down in history.”
Rep. Jeff Jackson (D-14th District) who is also running for N.C. Attorney General
“There are very few moments in history like this.
“Relinquishing power before one must, doing so gracefully and solely out of concern for the country, is an act so profoundly rare that it deepens the honor of the presidency, not just the president.
“President Biden has earned his place among national leaders who showed true selflessness on behalf of our country, and he deserves our genuine gratitude.
“Now, unity and victory.”
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