New York politicians react to Biden dropping out

Facing mounting calls from his party to step aside after a poor debate performance, President Joe Biden announced that he will end his presidential reelection campaign and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor.

“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President,” Biden wrote in a letter shared on X on Sunday afternoon. “And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”

New York’s elected officials were quick to respond, with Democrats meeting the news with a mixture of gratitude and calls to rally behind Harris. Biden’s dramatic decision could have a tremendous impact on the state where a handful of congressional races have the potential to reshape the balance of power in Congress. Here’s how New York elected officials have been reacting to the groundbreaking news.

This is a developing story.

STATEWIDE LEADERS

Gov. Kathy Hochul – “Joe Biden is an American hero, a true statesman, and he'll go down in history as one of the greatest champions of working families our nation has ever known. Thank you, @JoeBiden.”

Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado – “Thank you President Joe BIden. Thank you for a lifetime of committed service to America. Thank you for your character, your spirit, and your relentless dedication to perfecting our union. Thank you for being able to connect with everyday Americans, from all walks of life, from every background. Thank you for defeating Donald Trump and restoring faith in America at home and abroad. Thank you for lifting us up out of a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic. Thank you for leading us through four years of the most impactful legislative accomplishments in half a century. Thank you for being the most pro-union President in my lifetime. Thank you for doing more than any other President to attack the existential threat that is climate change. Thank you for bringing manufacturing back to America and rebuilding our country with robust investment in infrastructure. And thank you President Biden for being an example for all Americans of what it means to be a statesman.”

Attorney General Letitia James “.@KamalaHarris is a monumental leader who has done so much for this country, and I am proud to endorse her as the next President of the United States. Kamala has the experience that this country needs to protect our rights, support hardworking families, and move us forward.”

U.S. SENATE

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer – “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. Joe, today shows you are a true patriot and great American.”

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand – “President Biden has served our country with courage, compassion, integrity and decency. I am honored to have served in the Senate during his administration, which achieved historic accomplishments related to gun safety, veterans’ health care, infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, climate change, prescription drugs, and more. President Biden has improved the lives of millions of Americans and leaves behind a legacy that will echo for generations. On behalf of myself and every New Yorker: Thank you, Joe.”

HOUSE

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries – “President Joe Biden is one of the most accomplished and consequential leaders in American history. In less than one term, he rescued the nation from a once-in-a-century pandemic, brought the economy roaring back from the brink of recession, enacted consequential legislation for everyday Americans and saved our democracy by defeating the Insurrectionist-in-Chief. America is a better place today because President Joe Biden has led us with intellect, grace and dignity. We are forever grateful.”

Rep. Jamaal Bowman – “Now that President Biden has suspended his campaign, Vice President Kamala Harris is the most qualified and best choice to lead us forward.”

Rep. Elise Stefanik – “If Joe Biden can’t run for re-election, he is unable and unfit to serve as President of the United States. He must immediately resign. The Democrat Party is in absolute free fall for their blatantly corrupt and desperate attempt to cover up the fact that Joe Biden is unfit for office. Every elected Democrat in America owns Joe Biden’s failed and feckless record causing the border crisis, Bidenflation, and chaos and weakness around the world. President Trump will win this November to save America.”

Rep. Jerry Nadler – “Joe Biden, like FDR and LBJ before him, will go down as one of the most consequential Presidents in American history—having led our nation’s recovery through one of its darkest chapters and making record-breaking investments in American families. Joe’s announcement today reflects what we’ve known all along: he is an American patriot who is willing to put America’s interests over his own.”

Rep. Adriano Espaillat – “I’m proud to have stood alongside President Biden throughout his monumental term as President delivering for working families across the country. I look forward to supporting the next generation of our party’s leadership, and thank Joe Biden for all he has done—and will continue to do—for this great nation.”

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis – “BREAKING: Joe Biden won’t seek re-election. But make NO mistake: whoever the Democrat nominee is, they embrace the same left-wing agenda that gave us open-border, unsafe cities, high inflation & interest rates and unaffordable gas & food.”

Rep. Ritchie Torres – “President Joe Biden’s selfless decision to step aside for a new generation of leadership – Vice President Kamala Harris – is an act of Washingtonian statesmanship. President Biden leaves behind a transformative legacy that puts him in the pantheon of great presidents among the likes of FDR and LBJ. He has set our country on a trajectory to transition to a clean energy economy and combat catastrophic climate change. He has made the largest investments in infrastructure in more than half a century. He has positioned the United States to lead the 21st century with unprecedented investments in science and semiconductors. He has given America the most productive and productively bipartisan presidency in recent memory in areas ranging from gun safety to veteran health care. President Biden’s decision to exit the stage is not an act of weakness but an act of strength – an affirmation that he has had a level of achievement in one term that most two-term Presidents would envy and few could emulate. His has been a monumental presidency for the ages, one that will be remembered long after his time in office.”

Rep. Marc Molinaro – “This was the right thing to do for the country. In my race, nothing has changed. Josh Riley has always been one of the strongest supporters of the Biden-Harris agenda and New Yorkers are less safe because of the border crisis they created. President Biden may not be running, but his failed policies are and voters will hold Josh Riley accountable.”

Rep. Claudia Tenney – “After the Hur Report was released, I immediately called for AG Garland to invoke the 25th Amendment. Today’s decision by President Biden is an admission that this was necessary then, and even more so now.”

Rep. Tim Kennedy – “President Biden has made a choice, like countless ones he has made before, to put the country above himself. We are forever grateful to President Biden for a lifetime of service fighting for families, and leading our country out of the darkness to preserve the soul of our nation.”

Rep. Tom Suozzi – “My heartfelt thanks to President Biden for his years of accomplishments. I will continue working with any one of good faith who genuinely wants to fix the border, to reduce the cost of living, and to help heal the divide in our nation.”

Rep. Paul Tonko – “President Joe Biden is an American hero and patriot. In 2020, he unified the country in the monumental task of defeating Donald Trump. As President, his leadership guided us through the COVID-19 pandemic, passed historic infrastructure legislation, took unprecedented action on climate change through the Inflation Reduction Act, and restored America's standing on the world stage. These accomplishments will benefit Americans for generations to come. To defend and advance all which he has fought for, President Biden has now made the selfless decision to pass the torch. The stakes in this election couldn’t be higher. We face an existential threat to our democracy from Donald Trump and his allies. Their agenda of undermining our institutions, rolling back fundamental rights, and consolidating power in the Office of the President at the expense of the American people must be stopped at all costs. Make no mistake, Donald Trump and the Republican Party want to take us backwards while Democrats are ready to lay out a bold vision for our future. To meet this moment, we need a candidate who can not only continue to draw awareness to the tremendous accomplishments and the vision President Biden laid for America but also energize voters across the political spectrum and aggressively prosecute the case against Donald Trump. I believe Vice President Kamala Harris is just the person for the job. However the process plays out in the days to come, we must move forward with a unity of purpose and clarity as to the task ahead. Working together, we can continue to build on the historic progress that President Joe Biden brought to this great nation.”

Rep. Pat Ryan “President Biden is a Patriot. Delivering on his promise to be a bridge to a new generation of leaders is a fitting capstone to a life of selfless service; the entire nation is grateful for all that he’s done for the American people. The contrast with Trump, a convicted felon who tried to overturn the 2020 election, could not be more striking. Every single Republican has lined up behind him because they lack the courage and independence to put the country ahead of party and their own political ambition. They’d rather pledge fealty to a traitor than stand up for their own constituents. That is not, and never will be, how I approach this job. I’ll keep working every day to deliver a Hudson Valley community we can all be proud to call home.”

Rep. Nydia Velázquez – “.@JoeBiden has been one of the most impactful Presidents of my lifetime. Now it is time for Democrats to select the candidate with the best chance of beating Donald Trump in November. I am confident that Vice President. @KamalaHarris is that candidate.”

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez – “Kamala Harris will be the next President of the United States. I pledge my full support to ensure her victory in November. Now more than ever, it is crucial that our party and country swiftly unite to defeat Donald Trump and the threat to American democracy. Let’s get to work.”

Rep. Yvette Clarke – “The American people will owe our @POTUS, Joe Biden, a debt of gratitude for generations. His administration has paved the way towards a progressive vision for our nation’s future, centered in our common humanity and the rights of all. Now it’s up to us to carry on the work.”

Rep. Nick LaLota – “We should genuinely wish President Biden well. After 50 years of service, it’s good to see his family finally acknowledging his mental decline. Prioritizing his health is essential, and I hope he takes the necessary steps for his well-being. President Biden’s obvious lack of mental acuity requires him to resign so America can have a Commander in Chief with basic cognitive abilities. Our national security is at risk, and the 25th Amendment must be considered if he does not step down. America needs accountability from national Democrats and the media, like CNN’s John Avlon, who covered up Biden’s decline. Americans deserve leaders who tell the truth when it matters most, not those who mislead for political gain.”

Rep. Anthony D’Esposito – “President Biden’s record in office: chaos at our border, debilitating inflation, crises over seas. Biden and Democrats have failed the American people on all fronts. No matter the nominee, we must elect Republicans up and down the ballot this november.”

Rep. Gregory Meeks – “President Joe Biden is one of the most accomplished presidents in American history. Throughout his entire career, President Biden dedicated his service to creating opportunities for Americans. He has rescued the country from the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, created millions of jobs for Americans and been a trailblazer for gun safety in our nation. President Biden in under one term has enacted consequential policy benefiting the American people and has always been a staunch supporter of maintaining our democracy and advocating for civil rights and reproductive freedoms. Globally, the president has preserved America’s reputation on the world stage, bolstering our alliances to address shared challenges and safeguard our national security. President Biden has my deepest gratitude for his unwavering service to our nation. America is a better place because of his leadership.”

Rep. Grace Meng – “Under @JoeBiden, we strengthened our economy, invested in infrastructure, lowered costs, & took huge strides to combat gun violence & climate change. Thank you, Mr. President. I’m standing with @KamalaHarris as she earns & wins the nomination & builds on this incredible legacy.”

Rep. Dan Goldman – “Thank you President Biden for your incredible career of public service and historic presidency. Donald Trump should follow your lead. Now, let’s finish the job with Vice President Kamala Harris.”

Rep. Mike Lawler – “While I respect President Biden’s decades of service to the country, and it’s unfortunate to see it end this way for him, Americans saw what they saw in the Presidential debate just over three weeks ago. It was clear President Biden wasn’t capable of running for re-election, let alone fulfilling another term. Democrat party elites tried to hide this from the American people for well over a year, but have spent weeks desperately working to depose President Biden, usurping the will of over 14.6 million Democratic Primary voters. They have succeeded. But the simple fact remains – no matter who replaces Joe Biden at the top of the ticket for the Democrats, they’ll be leading a party whose elites are increasingly radical and out of touch with the majority of Americans and whose policies have given us a broken economy, a disaster at our Southern border, and left the world a tinderbox. This election will be a referendum on those failed policies.”

Rep. Brandon Williams – “Wow, I didn’t see this coming … just kidding. Nothing says ‘protecting democracy’ like jettisoning the votes of 14 million Americans. Democrats are the Party of chaos. What will they do next?”

Rep. Nick Langworthy – “If Joe Biden is not fit to run for President, he is not fit to serve as President. I’m calling on him to resign immediately. Democrat Powerbrokers have known for five years how unfit to lead our nation he has been. They, and their media partners, have covered it up and lied about it. They are shredding democracy with their theft of will of primary voters and are showing their hypocrisy to the whole world. However, Biden’s terrible record is Kamala Harris’ terrible record. President Trump will defeat whoever they coronate and restore this nation and its future to greatness as our 47th President.”

Rep. Joe Morelle – “President Biden has done what every true leader ought to: put the needs of our country ahead of himself. This difficult decision is an act of true patriotism for the good of our democracy. I am deeply grateful for all he has done to create a better America over the past four years and throughout his litetime of public service. Thank you, Mr. President.”

STATE SENATE

State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins – “President Biden has dedicated his life to public service and strengthening the fabric of America. In 2020, President Biden chose to save our democracy from authoritarianism and to help his fellow Americans heal during the ongoing hardships of the pandemic”

State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt – “The Democratic Party has shown they will do anything to cling to power. They have silenced the voice of 14.6 million primary voters and forced Joe Biden off the Democratic ticket just weeks before the convention. If Joe Biden is unfit to run, then he is clearly unfit to serve as Commander and Chief.”

State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal – “Thank you @JoeBiden for putting the future of our country first. Democrats will win in November!”

State Sen. Julia Salazar – “We have tremendous work immediately ahead of us in the fight against the far-right. I deeply appreciate this decision by President Biden for the sake of our collective future.”

State Sen. James Skoufis – “As we find ourselves at yet another inflection point in our nation’s history, I am grateful that President Biden has chosen to withdraw from the 2024 presidential election. I cannot imagine it was an easy decision, but it was the right one to step aside to let another leader – one that Americans can feel confident voting into office for the next four years – take his place.”

State Sen. Jessica Ramos – “Thank you for your service to our country, Mr. President. We’re ready to support @KamalaHarris!”

State Sen. Andrew Gounardes – “This American patriot deserves to sit under the shade of his vine and fig tree. God bless Joe Biden, one of the best Presidents of my lifetime and perhaps among the most honorable to ever hold the office.”

State Sen. John Liu – “President Biden’s decision was not an easy one, but it was the right choice to restore hope to our country. Thank you for your service to our nation, Mr. President, and for putting the best interests of our nation first.”

State Sen. Michelle Hinchey – “President Biden will go down in history as one of the best, most transformative Presidents America has ever had. His ability to bring our nation together through some of our darkest days during the pandemic was inspiring, and his commitment to working across the aisle to center American progress and opportunity is something all elected officials should learn from and aspire to. His decision to withdraw from the Presidential race is another example of his commitment to put country over self.”

State Sen. Zellnor Myrie – “Lady Liberty’s torch has burned brightest when our national leaders have put country over self; when our federal partners have embraced unity, not division; and when our future has held more promise than our past. We thank and honor President Biden’s service as such a leader, and look forward to making Vice President Harris the next President of the United States.Our city cannot afford a second Trump administration that will threaten our healthcare, schools, civil rights, transportation, housing, and much more. We have much work ahead. Let’s go.”

ASSEMBLY

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie – “President Biden has always put our country first and has been there when we needed him most. From leading us out of the Covid pandemic to turning our economy around, Joe Biden has been the guiding force we needed over these last four years. He helped restore the promise of our great nation and for that I will always remember him as one of the greatest Presidents to ever occupy the White House. He also had the wisdom to select Kamala Harris as his VP – someone who I have long known and has a close connection with my family. Her historic candidacy will energize American citizens and as President she will continue to lead this great nation to prosperity. We are at a crucial time in our nation’s history and I know that only by working together can we continue to succeed. Kamala Harris is the leader we need. Let’s get to work!”

Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay – “Joe Biden’s exit from the race was inevitable. The concerns raised by his fellow Democrats over his cognitive decline were too much to overcome. The question now becomes: Where is the same level of concern about his ability to lead the country over the next 5 months?”

Assembly Member Michaelle Solages – “Thank you, President @JoeBiden, for your dedicated service and unwavering commitment to our nation. Your leadership and resilience have made a profound impact on countless lives. We are grateful for your efforts to build a better future for all Americans. #ThankYouJoe”

Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon – The man is a national treasure; the very definition of patriotism. Had to have been the most incredibly difficult decision to make, and there’s no question that he made this decision for the good of the country and preserving our democracy. Thank you, Mr President. For everything”

Assembly Member Deborah Glick – “Very excited for Harris-Kelly ticket @POTUS has been great president- And now cements his legacy as a great American- putting country first”

Assembly Member Gina Sillitti – “Today, a good man made the hardest decision for the future of our nation. Thank you @JoeBiden”

Assembly Member Harvey Epstein – “Thank you @POTUS for your leadership over the past 4 years. You’ve created millions of jobs, got us through a pandemic and built infrastructure across our country. Your decision today will only further define your legacy as a public servant.”

Assembly Member Patricia Fahy – “While this has been anticipated for a couple of weeks, I support and respect President Biden’s decision not to seek the Democratic nomination.”

Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal – “Thank you for your incredible service, Mr. President. A faithful steward of our democracy and an honorable human being, your lifetime of sacrifices will not have been in vain. Together, we march forward to victory.”

Assembly Member Khaleel Anderson – “The world has been shaken”

Assembly Member Mike Tannousis – “So he’s not fit to run for re-election but he’s fit to serve out the remainder of his term? ”

Assembly Member Jarrett Gandolfo – “Any word from all of the Biden allies who INSISTED he was fit to run?”

Assembly Member Doug Smith – “Regardless of who is at the top of the ticket, our Republican Assembly Members and candidates here in Suffolk County are committed to making New York safer and more affordable. The people of Long Island stand with us in our continued rescue mission to save New York!”

Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar – “​​President Biden’s decision is an unbelievable act of patriotism and statesmanship. As a nation, we owe him a debt of gratitude. Now is the time to come together as one unified, energized party and secure our status as the greatest country on earth.”

NEW YORK CITY

Mayor Eric Adams – “America owes a debt of gratitude to President Joe Biden for his decades of service. He and his team took us out of COVID, stabilized the country, and restored the soul of the nation. President Biden is now again delivering for the American people by passing the torch at a critical moment, when the country needs strong leadership from a new generation. From here, the Democratic Party must continue to put working-people first and address their concerns about the cost of living, public safety, and our shared democratic values. I look forward to working with senior members of the party as we make our push towards November and ensure we address the concerns of New Yorkers and all Americans.”

Comptroller Brad Lander – “Joe Biden will go down in history as a hero & a patriot who loved his country so much that he was willing to pass the torch when its future was on the line. We owe him an enormous debt of gratitude – and to do every last thing we can together to fight for its democratic future.”

Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine – “Joe Biden defeated Trump. He brought us back from COVID. He built a strong economy. He’s passing the baton to the next generation. Joe Biden is an America hero.”

NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL

Council Speaker Adrienne Adams – “President Joe Biden served our country for decades and has successfully guided us through unprecedented times with honor. His leadership preserved democracy and moved us forward with strength and humility. We owe him a debt of gratitude for his service and sacrifice. His decision to once again put the American people first only further illustrates leadership in service of democracy. 

Now it’s time for us all to unite behind Vice President Kamala Harris. November’s election is pivotal to protecting and advancing progress in this country, from reproductive healthcare to equal protection under the law. In Vice President Harris, we have a strong leader with a positive vision who deserves widespread support to defeat Trump and his destructive agenda at the ballot box.”

Council Member Keith Powers – “I believe today what I have always have: that there is nothing America can’t do – when we do it together. – @JoeBiden”

Council Member Justin Brannan – “Mixed emotions. Biden was old long b4 bad debate. Not news. Regardless hysteria ensued. Confidence crisis real. Weak down ballot polling concerned weak down ballot candidates. Biden the opposite of Trump. Willing to put ego aside for good of the country. Patriot. Nominate Kamala.”

Council Member Oswald Feliz – “Joe Biden dedicated his entire career to serving others -- 50+ years. After he defeated Trump, he led and resolved tough challenges our country was facing. I’m so thankful for him.”

Council Member Sandy Nurse – “We are being unburdened”

Council Member Chi Ossé – “I commend the president for making the right decision. The stakes are too high. The MAGA Party seeks to ravage women’s healthcare and the social safety net while ending the Republic as we know it. We must now devote our energy to electing our next president, @KamalaHarris.”

Council Member Tiffany Cabán – “In the coming days we will have a new nominee. We’re gonna fight like hell to win bc we know what’s at stake. Working people can’t afford to lose this election to Trump. We’re fighting for justice at home and abroad. We’re fighting for our communities. We’re fighting for Queens.”

OTHERS

State Democratic Party Chair Jay Jacobs – “I have never admired Joe Biden more than I do today. Voluntarily ceding the nomination and forgoing a chance to serve for another four years in the job that he did so well in and spent a lifetime dreaming of attaining, is as noble an act as ever recorded in America’s political history. Joe Biden’s selflessness; his putting country and party above his own personal desires, places him in the category of every great political leader since George Washington set the standard some 225 years ago.”

Former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio – “This decision puts @JoeBiden in a pantheon of selfless American political heroes. We have to compare @POTUS to three of our greatest Presidents, who all made a similar decision: Washington, Truman and LBJ. History will embrace @JoeBiden!”

State Conservative Party Chair Gerard Kassar – “The charade foisted on the country by irresponsible Democrats has come to an end. President Joe Biden should have stepped aside long ago, but he’s finally done the right thing and we applaud him for that. We wish him well in his future endeavors. This nation is ready for fundamental change from the chaotic Biden years, and President Donald Trump is fully prepared to restore us to greatness. There is no one in the Democratic Party that can stop the momentum of reform that Republicans are leading. Freedom is returning at long last.”

Former New York City mayoral candidate Andrew Yang – “Remarkable leadership shown by Joe Biden. Now it falls to the DNC to show equal leadership by having an open process to determine the best candidate(s) to take on Trump – Vance in November. The goal should be simple – to win.”

Former New York City mayoral candidate Maya Wiley – “Thank you @POTUS for your leadership & commitment to #civilrights: racial equity EOs, including AI, voting, policing; your leadership on student debt when SCOTUS blocked the administration; making health care more affordable & fighting to protect #abortion!”

Former state Sen. Alessandra Biaggi – “This was the right move, and a powerful statement. Now it’s time to get serious and win.”

Former Assembly Member Kenny Burgos – “Let’s get a drink Joe, it’s been a week.”

Former Assembly Member Yuh-Line Niou – “I support you, Mr. President. Thank you for putting our country and our democracy first. A real leader always puts their people first. A selfish corrupt leader self aggrandizes and thinks of themselves and their power only. Thank you for being a real leader.”

Former Assembly Member Judy Griffin – “Thank you President Biden for serving the American people so admirably. Your accomplishments, honor, resilience, sacrifice and passion have always defined you and always will.”