San Diego politicians respond to Biden’s withdrawal from 2024 race

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Politicians nationwide are responding after President Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 race, including those in San Diego County.

Here’s a breakdown of what local lawmakers have to say about his decision, as well as Biden’s endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris :

Rep. Mike Levin

“President Biden’s decision is incredibly patriotic and the right thing to do. He put country first. I want to thank President Biden for his decades of public service to our country and his historic presidency. He has led our country with unwavering courage, conviction and strength. Our nation, and the entire free world, is better off because of his leadership.

Now, we must come together to prevail against the incalculable threat Donald Trump poses to the American institutions of freedom and democracy. Trump seeks to overthrow the values and principles that have guided us towards justice and prosperity for nearly two and a half centuries. We cannot let him do that.

I’m proud to follow President Biden’s lead in endorsing Kamala Harris to be our Democratic Presidential nominee. Vice President Harris is the right person to lead our nation forward and defeat Donald Trump and his extremist policies.

It is time to move forward with Kamala Harris as our new leader. Together.”

County Supervisor Nora Vargas

“President Biden fought for our Democratic values, and we owe him a debt of gratitude for all he accomplished to uplift working class families over his long career in public service. As Democrats, we must now come together in unity to support the next Democratic nominee for President of the United States.

There is no one better qualified to serve in this role than Vice President Kamala Harris. I will work tirelessly to help get her elected to the White House in November. She is exactly the leader we need to lead our country and make the American Dream available to all, not just an elite few.

I’ve had the great opportunity to work with Kamala Harris on issues affecting California and our country. I believe that she’s a fierce, smart, compassionate leader who won’t back down until the job is done and everyone has a true chance to build a better life for themselves and their families.”

Sen. Catherine Blakespear

“I applaud President Biden for his decades of contributions to the United States of America and his incredibly productive and positive four years as President. He is a good man, and his strong moral character is what leads him to put the country’s interest first in declining the Democratic Party’s nomination.

I’m elated by the prospect of Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for President. She is the pride of California, with a multi-decade record of leadership, culminating in the last four years as Vice President. She will have the confidence of the American people and can ably lead this great country as our first female President.”

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria

“I love Joe Biden. He is a leader, patriot and true public servant who has always put the good of our country first. His record of accomplishment means history will surely count him as one of America’s most effective presidents. His decision today reinforces all of these facts.

I must also express my gratitude to the President for his support of San Diego. He has delivered for our city and its people time and time again. Every time he visits he says how much he loves San Diego. His actions as president always proved it.

I agree with the President that Kamala Harris should be the Democratic Party’s nominee. She is ready to lead our country as our next President. Let’s unite around the VP and defeat Donald Trump and his extreme agenda again this November.”

Kyle Krahel-Frolander, Acting Chair of San Diego County Democratic Party

“President Biden has been one of the most consequential leaders in our nation’s history. His decision to pass the torch is yet another act of selfless public service. The Democratic Party will move forward and unify against the threat posed by Donald Trump to our democracy and fundamental freedoms.”

Sen. Steve Padilla

“President Biden has dedicated his entire life to the service of the American people. Faced with tragedy and hardship, time and time again, he has always answered his country’s call for leaders of quality. Under his leadership as President, America made unprecedented investments in our response to climate change, lowered health care costs for millions, and overcame the deadliest pandemic in over a century. He entered office in a time of uncertainty, but will leave with a legacy and body of work the likes of which few politicians will ever achieve.

His decision to step aside will be remembered as one of the single most selfless acts of patriotism in our country’s history. He is an exemplary leader Americans can be proud of and for that we owe him every measure of our gratitude and respect.”

Rep. Adam Schiff

“President Joe Biden will leave office with a legacy unlike any other modern president.

“Taking the reins in the throes of an unprecedented pandemic, Joe Biden spearheaded our economic recovery and saved the lives of millions. He worked diligently to pass the most effective, progressive legislation in the last half century – all while rebuilding our alliances abroad and our standing around the globe. He has accomplished more in one term than most presidents do in two and he will go down in history as one of the greatest presidents of our time.

“Joe Biden has always put the country first and he did so again today, after more than 50 years of tremendous service. Thank you, Mr. President.

“Now it’s time for all of us to unite behind Vice President Harris. I am excited to endorse her campaign for President — she has the judgment, experience, leadership, and tenacity to take on and defeat Donald Trump. I worked with her when she was our Attorney General, Senator, and Vice President, and I can’t wait to work with her as President. There is no better matchup than this superb former prosecutor against this convicted criminal, and she’ll prosecute the case against Trump every single day.

“The stakes are high, and we must focus all our energy on electing Kamala Harris and defeating Donald Trump.”

Rep. Peters

“Joe Biden is a selfless, patriotic man with a servant’s heart who history will remember for his tremendous accomplishments and for making this heroic decision to put country over self. I know how difficult this decision must have been for President Biden and his family, but I feel strongly that it will help our party defeat Donald Trump. I have full confidence in his ability to continue leading our country as he has done dutifully for the past three and a half years. We all owe President Biden immense gratitude.”

Rep. Darrell Issa

“We’ve had 4 years of Democratic chaos – at the border, in business, overseas, in our schools and on our streets. Joe Biden, Kamala Harris led all of it.”

More responses will be added as they come into our newsroom. Check back for updates.

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