NY swing district Democrats breathe a sigh of relief

President Joe Biden’s long-rumored and oft-fantasized withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race drew reactions from all sects of the political universe Sunday. But in New York, his exit means something special for swing district Democrats, many of whom either called for him to pull out of the race or slowly but surely shied away from any links to Biden after initially looking to the embattled head of state for support. As the dust barely settles on Biden’s campaign exit, Democrats trying to hold the line in New York and retake the suburbs are letting their feelings be known on the change to the top of the ticket. 

And with a divisive and increasingly impossible to defend standard bearer off their back, most of them are expressing one feeling: gratitude. 

“It’s helpful to them,” said political consultant Jack O’Donnell. “They have a younger, presumably more energetic candidate and someone who voters won’t be doubting her ability to make it four years. But that being said, the policies are the same.”

18th Congressional District Rep. Pat Ryan, who is trying to fend off a challenge from Republican Alison Esposito, was one of the most prominent New York electeds to call on Biden to step down. After news broke of Biden’s withdrawal, he took it as an opportunity to chastise Republicans for not taking a harder look at their candidate former President Donald Trump, saying “they lack courage and independence.” 

But he also praised Biden for his service to the country and the party, calling him 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,” Ryan said.

22nd Congressional District Democratic candidate John Mannion made sure to thank Biden for his decision and also amplified the president’s roots in his Central New York district currently represented by Republican Rep. Brandon Williams. 

“I want to commend President Biden for consistently putting the needs of our country first,” Mannion said in a statement noting that Biden is an alum of Syracuse University.

17th Congressional District Democratic Candidate Mondaire Jones thanked Biden for his service in office and applauded the record he would leave behind. Biden was in office during Jones’ short tenure in Congress. 

“Thank you, also, for saving our democracy once before in the last presidential election,” Jones said on X. “You deserve this much-needed rest, and know that your legacy is secure.” Jones’ opponent Republican Rep. Mike Lawler also released a pretty positive statement acknowledging Biden’s service: “Though President Biden and I have not seen eye to eye on a number of issues, I recognize his deep commitment to our country, and thank him for his years of service to our nation,” Lawler said. 

Democrat Josh Riley, running in a rematch against Republican Rep. Marc Molinaro in the 19th Congressional District, applauded Biden for stepping away from the race in a brief statement online. 

“I thank President Biden for his service to our country, and I support his decision,” said Riley “I’ll continue to focus on our campaign to bring new leadership to Upstate New York.”

On Long Island, candidates kept a similar tone to their swing district peers across the state, with some even offering support for Biden’s replacement on the ticket, Vice President Kamala Harris. 

In the 4th Congressional District, Democrat Laura Gillen expressed appreciation for Biden’s statesmanship over the years as she tries to flip a district currently held by Republican Rep. Anthony D’Esposito.

“President Biden has worked for decades reaching across the aisle to serve the American people,” she said. “I wish him the best and thank him for his selflessness and his service.” 

1st Congressional District Democratic candidate John Avlon called it a “selfless decision” and expressed respect for Biden’s endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris, going as far as to list her credentials in a statement he released Sunday afternoon. 

But O’Donnell told City & State that the same attacks that have been levied at Biden and other Democrats, like inflation and the handling of the southern border, wouldn’t simply disappear under Harris, who herself was Biden’s point woman on immigration. 

Avlon, who is challenging GOP Rep. Nick LaLota, also called for party unity in the final months of the election cycle, one that’s been defined by Democratic infighting over the presidential nominee. 

“The challenges of our divided times require putting country over party, and Joe Biden has once again proven his determination to put the national interest over all special interests,” said Avlon. “I hope his example will help elevate our civic debates over the next 100-plus days until the election.”