Redding, LaMalfa react to Joe Biden dropping his 2024 presidential run

Officials in Redding and Shasta County are weighing in on U.S. President Joe Biden's announcement Sunday morning that he was dropping out of the race, after weeks of saying he would continue his reelection bid even in the face of growing pressure from prominent Democrats for him to step aside.

Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. The president said he would speak to the nation later this week to provide more detail about his decision.Here are voices from around the North State about the dramatic change in events a month before the start of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

Check back as this is a developing story.

Elizabeth Betancourt, chair of the Democratic Central Committee of Shasta County: "We are so grateful to President biden for championing cliamte resilience and supporting our north state communities through billions of dollars of infrastructure investment over the past two years. He continues to lead by passign the torch to the next generation of exceptional Democrats who will continue to build a resilient, sustainable and inclusive economy. We're excited about the next few weeks and the enthusiasm the DNC convention will bring to this race!"

Frank Treadway, a political consultant from Redding who assists Democratic candidates in the North State: "I have watched closely the growing tide of those in high positions across the country urge President Biden to step down. At first, I said to myself and others, 'don't panic, he'll be OK.' And then time passes and he's not OK in a variety of ways. So yes, I think it's a good move. I suspect the opposition is a little bit dismayed because they saw blood there with Mr. Biden and his situation. So yes, it's a good move all around for the Democratic Party of the United States."

Brenda Haynes, chair of the Shasta GOP: "The Democrats and the media have been lying to the public for a long time about Biden's mental decline. If he were up in the polls, it might be different, but he has totally collapsed in the polls. It doesn't matter who the Democrats desperately throw out there, (former) President Trump will beat any of them and win in November."

Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-Richvale: "It has been very clear to any honest observer that President Biden has had a significant decline in his stamina and capacity. Those who have interacted with him directly have clearly seen this for quite some time. The media and Washington Democrats have been covering up that face for well over a year. Up until a few weeks ago, the media called it 'fake news' and 'misinformation' to bring up this fact. The debate with Trump make clear to the public how much he has regressed. That truth can no longer be masked by politicians or a willing media. It's appropriate that the 25th Amendment be contemplated. But Biden is leaving the race because of collapsing in the polls."

"The clear fact is Washington Democrats and their donors are boldly forcing him out to try to salvage their odds in this election only 106 days from now. If he were polling better, they would still be propping him up to the finish line, but they cannot cover the eyes of the American people any longer. It's solely about Democrat using any tactic to stay in power. If Biden isn't capable of running a campaign, nor even endure the Special Council Hur interview, he certainly isn't in position to run our country this final 6 months of his scheduled term."

This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Redding, LaMalfa react to Joe Biden dropping his 2024 presidential run