Top senators, representatives react to Biden dropping out of 2024 election

Reactions to President Joe Biden's bombshell announcement that he will end his bid for reelection are rolling in from members of Congress on both sides of the aisle.

Biden said Sunday that he is dropping out of the race, a historic withdrawal plunging the Democrat party into an unprecedented clamber as the Democratic National Convention approaches in mid-August. The 81-year-old and former vice president has faced immense pressure over the last few weeks from Democratic colleagues over his ability to beat former President Donald Trump in November.

Live Updates: Joe Biden drops out of 2024 race amid growing pressure from top Democrats

Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take Biden's place atop the party's ticket , though there have been a number of Democrats calling instead for an open nomination process.

Biden made the announcement Sunday from his home in Rehoboth Beach, Del., where he's self-isolated since testing positive for COVID-19 on Thursday.

It throws the 2024 race − already roiled by an attempt on Trump's life at a campaign ra lly last week − into unprecedented territory.

"It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President," Biden said in a letter addressed to Americans. "And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and my country for me to stand down and to focus solely on my duties as President for the rest of my term."

Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer applauds Biden for putting “his party, and our future first.”

“Joe Biden has not only been a great president and a great legislative leader but he is a truly amazing human being. His decision of course was not easy, but he once again put his country, his party, and our future first,” Schumer said in a statement Sunday, adding: “Joe, today shows you are a true patriot and great American."

Republican Speaker Mike Johnson says the president should resign his presidency immediately, brushes off Harris election chances.

Congressional Republican leaders were bullish about their chances of beating Harris.

“The party’s prospects are no better now with Vice President Kamala Harris, who co-owns the disastrous policy failures of the Biden Administration. As second in command and a completely inept border czar, Harris has been a gleeful accomplice — not only in the destruction of American sovereignty, security, and prosperity, but also in the largest political coverup in U.S. history. She has known for as long as anyone of his incapacity to serve,” House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said in a statement.

Earlier Sunday he indicated that Democrats would face legal challenges supported by the Republican National Committee if they tried to change candidates.

Johnson also joined a chorus of Republicans who have indicated that Biden needs to resign the presidency.

“If Joe Biden is not fit to run for President, he is not fit to serve as President. He must resign the office immediately. November 5 cannot arrive soon enough,” Johnson said.

If Biden were to step down, it would rob Democrats of their tie breaker in the Senate. The vice president replacement would be nominated by Harris, but would have to be confirmed by the Senate, something that would be particularly difficult if Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., resigns following his felony conviction last week.

House Democratic Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries praises Biden's accomplishments, mum on Harris

House Democratic Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., issued a statement that praised Biden's accomplishments as president but did not address whether Harris should be the nominee. "America is a better place today because President Joe Biden has led us with intellect, grace and dignity. We are forever grateful," he said.

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, the lone Democrat in Tennessee's congressional delegation said about Harris, "She has the prosecutorial chops to make mincemeat of the mendacious malefactor Trump."

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Top senators, representatives react to Biden dropping out of 2024 election