Gulf Coast lawmakers and political officials react to President Biden dropping out of the presidential race

MOBILE, Ala. ( WKRG ) — President Joe Biden announced Sunday on X that he will not be running for a second term and is dropping out of the presidential campaign.

Political figures and lawmakers of the Gulf Coast are expressing how they’re feeling after learning the news.

Chairman of the Mobile County Democratic Committee, Ben Harris, said he is pleased with the president’s decision.

“I think he made the judgment that he thought was best for our nation, as he has always done and as our party has always done,” Harris said. “So we’re very proud of his presidency, and we’ll be proud to support the new nominee.”

Harris said that he believes Vice President Kamala Harris is a suitable Democratic nominee.

“She certainly is an inspiring candidate who has shown the ability to turn voters out,” he said. “We believe whoever will be at the top of our ticket will be someone that everyone can rally around and will drive our turnout.”

Republican lawmakers stated they’re pleased with the decision as well.

In a statement given to WKRG News 5, District 1 Representative of Alabama Jerry Carl says this decision has been a long one coming and that Biden is unfit to be the president.

“President Biden’s decision today to step off the November ballot proves what we’ve known to be true since day one: Joe Biden is totally unfit for office, and January 20, 2025, can’t come soon enough. The Biden administration will be remembered for weakening America, allowing chaos to spread across the globe, and burdening Americans with crippling inflation. Now more than ever, we need President Trump in office to get this country back on track and revive the American dream.”

Representative Donna Givens of Baldwin County (R) relayed Carl’s sentiment.

“I do think it was evident; it was clear to us that he would not be able to run the office of president for the next four years,” Givens said. “Of course, being the Republican that I am, you know, in my heart I knew. I feel 100%. That’ll be a Trump-Vance candidacy.”

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