Here’s What DC Area Leaders Are Saying About Biden’s Exit From 2024 Presidential Race – NBC4 Washington

President Joe Biden announced Sunday that he is withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination.

Following the announcement, responses came in from legislators in the DMV region and across all parties.

Many leaders praised Biden for his years of service to the public, and some also praised him for putting the nation’s welfare above self by resigning.

“My thanks and prayers are with President Biden,” DC Mayor Muriel Bowser wrote in a post on X. “His selfless decision today truly put America first. Thank you, Mr. President.”

Republican Senate candidate and former Governor Larry Hogan shared a similar sentiment.

“I believe he made the right decision for his family and the country,” he wrote on X. “These are dangerous and unprecedented times. He should be commended for putting the country above his personal ambitions.”

Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen praised Biden and his long political career.

“Over the past four years — and throughout his decades of prior service — he has served the American people, working to improve the lives of millions, without ever forgetting where he came from and who he fought for,” Van Hollen said in a statement.

Rep. Don Beyer of Virginia called Biden “a great American.”

“Today, he made a difficult decision that few others could have made, showed his character, and put his country first,” Beyer said in a statement. “I am proud to support Joe Biden and proud of his patriotism.”

Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine compared Biden’s decision in a statement to “the same patriotism shown by George Washington and Teddy Roosevelt when they selflessly put their country above their own political ambitions.”

Some leaders also backed Harris, stressing that defeating former President Donald Trump was a priority.

“I look forward to working with my friend Kamala Harris and a great ticket partner to keep Virginia blue so we can continue our progress,” said Kaine.

“While there must be an orderly process and the decision ultimately rests with the DNC delegates, I believe Vice President Harris has the experience, energy and determination to lead our country,” Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia said in a statement. “This November, we must defeat Donald Trump and his backward agenda.”

Angela Alsobrooks, the Prince George’s County administrator and Maryland Democratic Senate candidate, also endorsed Harris and highlighted the differences between Harris’ and Trump’s positions.

“She will be a clear and sharp contrast to Donald Trump’s regressive vision for this country,” Alsobrooks said in a statement. “She will pivot this race to the future and the kind of country our children deserve to inherit. Every one of us deserves a leader like that.”

Beyer also showed his support for Harris, saying he will support her through a fair nomination process.

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