Pennsylvania politicians and leaders react to President Biden dropping out of 2024 race

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — President Biden announced Sunday he is withdrawing from the race for president in 2024Pennsylvania’s elected leaders responded to the announcement.

Democrats react to president’s decision

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said on X (formerly Twitter), “President Biden is a patriot who has served our country with honor in the Senate, as Vice President, and as one of the most influential presidents in modern history. President Biden has done an incredible job moving our country forward, defending our democracy, and protecting true freedom. I am proud to serve alongside him and grateful for his leadership and unwavering commitment to deliver for Pennsylvania — the Commonwealth that raised him.”

Rep. Brendan F. Boyle said in a statement: “President Joe Biden is a patriot. He selflessly put aside his personal ambition to do what he believes is best for our country. Today and every day, in both dark and bright days, I am proud to be one of Joe Biden’s strongest supporters.”

Rep. Dwight D. Evans, who represents part of Philadelphia in Congress, said on X: “I am deeply grateful to President Joe Biden for his service to our country. After leading landmark legislation like the Violence Against Women Act as a Senator and serving eight years as Vice President, he stepped down again in 2020 … to end Donald Trump’s disastrous tenure and clean up the mess and chaos Trump left in his wake. President Biden and Vice President @VP Harris have delivered for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the nation that I am proud to vote for in Congress…”

Charlotte Valyo, chair of the Chester County Democratic Committee, said in a statement, in part: “To say this must have been a difficult decision for the President is an understatement. President Biden has once again shown everyone how selfless and honorable he is, putting our nation and party above his own interests. … Now we will unite behind Vice President Kamala Harris, who has endorsed President Biden and is well-qualified and deserving to be elected as the first female president.”

Senator Bob Casey, who represents Pennsylvania, said on social media: “President Biden has always been committed to improving the lives of Americans. He deserves our gratitude for his historic achievements, including rebuilding our economy after the pandemic and delivering the largest infrastructure investment in modern history. He has had an exemplary career in public service. He is a patriot who has always put our country first.”

Senator Coons of Delaware responds

Senator Chris Coons of Delaware, a close Biden ally and campaign chairman, said on X: “President Biden has an incredible track record of public service. He has been the most impactful president of my lifetime, and his legacy of putting country before self is only strengthened by his hard decision today to step aside as a candidate for president.”

Coons continued: “I look forward to working with President Biden this fall as Democrats unite to defeat Donald Trump. I will work closely with him as he continues his important efforts to strengthen the middle class at home and our country’s position abroad.”