Georgia officials on Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race

GEORGIA ( WRBL ) — On Sunday, President Joe Biden announced he is dropping out of the 2024 presidential race.

This is what Georgia officials across the state have to say on the withdrawal.

“President Biden has done a tremendous job. He is probably the most productive president we have had since LBJ. And I felt like he earned the 14 million votes to get the nomination. And it was his decision whether or not he stepped back. I believe that he’s a patriotic individual unlike the gentleman on the other side. I think that he’s making decisions that he believes are in the best interest of the American people.”
— U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop/D-Albany

“I am disappointed that President Joe Biden has ended his campaign to seek re-election to the highest office in the land – the U.S. presidency. Having talked with him on Tuesday, I was encouraged he would continue. I accept and trust his decision, as he thinks it’s in the best interest of our nation.”
— Calvin Smyre/Former Dean Georgia House

Columbus resident Dominick Perkins was a political director in the 2020 Biden-Harris campaign. He admits Sunday was a tough day.

“It was a kind of mix of emotions. … My first thought was when I started working for the campaign in 2020 … the reason why I did it is I fully trusted the president’s decision making . So, my first thought went back to that.  So, my first thought went back to that. That I trusted his decision making then and I trust his decision making now.”
— 2020 Biden-Harris Georgia political director Dominick Perkins

Bishop and Smyre were quick to say that Vice President Harris should now be at the top of the ticket. Both men will be delegates to the Democratic National Convention next month in Chicago.

“I believe at this point in time, she has been in the second chair for the last four years,” said Bishop. “She’s imminently qualified to be president. “

“I am delighted he’s endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as our nominee,” said Smyre. “And I am honored to join him and endorse her as our nominee. I look forward to supporting her for our future depends on it.”

Bishop had one last sentiment on Biden’s withdrawal.

“I was the student body president at Morehouse College when Dr. King was assassinated. Two days after having met Robert Kennedy at the Atlanta airport, he was assassinated. I was following the Democratic Convention and the election very closely in 1968 when President Johnson decided not to run because of the uproar over the Vietnam War. So, I have seen it before and history is repetitive.”

Below are some other statements from Georgia officials:

“Pres. Biden’s record and decades of service to the country are extraordinary and historic. Thank you, @POTUS. Vice President Harris is now absolutely the right candidate to defeat Donald Trump and unite our country. @KamalaHarris is prepared, ready to win, & has my full support.”
— Sen. Jon Ossoff

“President Biden is an extraordinary American who has dedicated his entire life to working people. His incredible record on jobs, the economy, climate, reproductive rights, and his leadership on the world stage make him one of the most consequential leaders in history.”
— Mayor of Atlanta Andre Dickens

“Now this [is the] time to move on and rally around @KamalaHarris. I was the first elected official in Georgia to endorse her in 2020 and once again I will work tirelessly to get her elected in November. #gapol”
— Former member of the Georgia House of Representatives Erick Allen

WRBL will update this article as more statements are received.

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