CALIFORNIA, USA — President Joe Biden announced Sunday morning he is no longer running for reelection and many California leaders issued statements in response.
Here’s what major political players in California had to say following Biden's statement, which was published around 10:45 a.m.:
Vice President Kamala Harris
Vice President Kamala Harris, a California native, was Biden’s running mate. She received his full support and endorsement Sunday — roughly 27 minutes after he announced his reelection bid was ending.
She responded over an hour later:
“On behalf of the American people, I thank Joe Biden for his extraordinary leadership as President of the United States and for his decades of service to our country. His remarkable legacy of accomplishment is unmatched in modern American history, surpassing the legacy of many Presidents who have served two terms in office.
“It is a profound honor to serve as his Vice President, and I am deeply grateful to the President, Dr. Biden, and the entire Biden family. I first came to know President Biden through his son Beau. We were friends from our days working together as Attorneys General of our home states. As we worked together, Beau would tell me stories about his Dad. The kind of father—and the kind of man—he was. And the qualities Beau revered in his father are the same qualities, the same values, I have seen every single day in Joe’s leadership as President: His honesty and integrity. His big heart and commitment to his faith and his family. And his love of our country and the American people.
“With this selfless and patriotic act, President Biden is doing what he has done throughout his life of service: putting the American people and our country above everything else.
“I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination. Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election. And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead. I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party—and unite our nation—to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda.
“We have 107 days until Election Day. Together, we will fight. And together, we will win.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom
Gov. Gavin Newsom responded to Biden’s announcement on social media roughly 20 minutes after the news broke.
“President Biden has been an extraordinary, history-making president — a leader who has fought hard for working people and delivered astonishing results for all Americans. He will go down in history as one of the most impactful and selfless presidents.
Thank you, (Joe Biden).”
Newsom then endorsed Harris later Sunday afternoon:
"Tough. Fearless. Tenacious.
With our democracy at stake and our future on the line, no one is better to prosecute the case against Donald Trump's dark vision and guide our country in a healthier direction than America’s Vice President, (Kamala Harris)."
U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi
Former speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, said the following Sunday:
“President Joe Biden is a patriotic American who has always put our country first. His legacy of vision, values and leadership make him one of the most consequential Presidents in American history.
With love and gratitude to President Biden for always believing in the promise of America and giving people the opportunity to reach their fulfillment.
God blessed America with Joe Biden’s greatness and goodness.”
California Democratic Party
Rusty Hicks, the chair of the California Democratic Party, said the following:
“Joe Biden will go down in history as one of our nation’s greatest presidents — a statesman who put service before self and protecting our democracy above all else.
Now it is time for Democrats to unite around our common calling — defeating Donald Trump, retaking the House of Representatives and preserving our democracy.”
California Republican Party
Jessica Millan Patterson, the California Republican Party chairwoman, said the following:
“It’s hard to believe it’s possible for Democrats to fall further into disarray, but here we are. Going forward, Democrats will have to grapple with two questions: if Joe Biden is unfit to serve four more years, is he fit to serve the remainder of his term? And is disastrous California Democrat Kamala Harris, who enabled a clearly declining Biden during his time as president, really the best backup option? President Biden tasked her with solving the border crisis, and in turn, she made our country less safe, allowing millions more to flood into our country illegally. As California’s top cop, she allowed criminals to thrive, including refusing to stop Prop. 47 that still wreaks havoc on our state today. Just as she failed on behalf of the Golden State, something Californians remember all too well, Harris owns the failed Biden-Harris agenda that led to rising prices, a weakened global standing, failing schools and surging crime. Republicans are united behind President Trump and will be ready for whoever the Democrats decide is their best bad option to support.”
Sacramento County Republican Party
Betsy Mahan, the chair of the Sacramento County Republican Party, said the following:
“President Joe Biden has been pushed out of the Presidential race. Not exactly Democracy in action. He endorsed the even less popular Vice President Kamala Harris in retaliation. Harris inherits a $300+ Million war chest making it a steep climb for other challengers to catch up.
Now the Biden family, who has monetized Joe’s political power for decades, will have to get real jobs.
It won’t matter if Harris or any other anointed Democrat challenges President Trump, because they will carry the baggage of Biden’s failed administration and progressive policies.
Voters from cities and small towns across America saw what the Republican Party stands for during the recent convention in Milwaukee. I was pleased to attend the Convention as a Delegate for President Trump. All of us felt the unity and were encouraged as speaker after speaker shared their personal experiences and challenges under Biden policies. President Trump’s strength, following the assassination attempt, has shown the world that he is not deterred, and he is focused on being the President for all Americans.
Our Democracy can only survive if candidates can safely campaign. We call on Biden to use the time he has left to finally do something right and fire the director of the Secret Service whose inexperience and apparent lack of concern for any candidates that aren’t Democrats caused the near assassination of President Trump.
It’s clear that America needs experienced, strong leaders in the White House and Congress to get us back on track. We must restore our safety, strengthen our economy, and provide opportunities for citizens to thrive with common sense solutions.
Democrats always come to the center just before an election. But they don’t stay there once elected. So, there can be no rest for Trump supporters as we share the facts about his accomplishments while President, and the good news about his plans for the future. Every vote, and every seat will matter!
We will take this fight to the ballot box, and we call on all citizens to vote early and vote Republican! Please be sure to sign up to volunteer and we will contact you with upcoming opportunities.”
Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg
Steinberg first issued a statement around 12:30 p.m. saying, in part, Joe Biden will go down as one of America's greatest presidents.
"True greatness and courage is rare. It occurs only when a visionary leader puts a country, a world and hundreds of millions of people ahead of his or her own rightful feelings of pride and accomplishment. Joe Biden will go down in history as one of our greatest presidents for two reasons. First, he saved the country from Donald Trump in 2020, pulled us out from a devastating pandemic and economic crisis, and ushered in four years of historic achievements. Second, his selfless decision today gives the country an even better chance of securing these accomplishments and helping our nation move forward with strength and pride. Let's go win."
He later issued another statement endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for president.
California Senator Alex Padilla
“Today, President Biden put our country first, as he has done throughout his public service career.
During his presidency, he led the nation out of a crippling pandemic and revived our economy with record job creation and historic low unemployment. He delivered transformational bipartisan victories to invest in our infrastructure and lower costs for working families. And he restores America’s leadership on the world stage by defending democracy in Ukraine.
Angela and I are deeply grateful for his years of friendship and partnership to improve the lives of Californians. Thank you, Mr. President.”
California Senator Laphonza Butler
“Our nation owes President Biden a debt of gratitude for his service and patriotism, especially in making such a difficult decision. Thanks to his leadership, the American people have witnessed historic investments in education, infrastructure, and so much more.
The threat to all that progress remains, and we must now do everything we can to ensure Vice PResident Harris succeeds. There’s no one better prepared for this challenge.”
U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff
“President Joe Biden will leave office with a legacy unlike any other modern president.
“Taking the reins in the throes of an unprecedented pandemic, Joe Biden spearheaded our economic recovery and saved the lives of millions. He worked diligently to pass the most effective, progressive legislation in the last half century – all while rebuilding our alliances abroad and our standing around the globe. He has accomplished more in one term than most presidents do in two and he will go down in history as one of the greatest presidents of our time.
“Joe Biden has always put the country first and he did so again today, after more than 50 years of tremendous service. Thank you, Mr. President.
“Now it’s time for all of us to unite behind Vice President Harris. I am excited to endorse her campaign for President — she has the judgment, experience, leadership, and tenacity to take on and defeat Donald Trump. I worked with her when she was our Attorney General, Senator, and Vice President, and I can’t wait to work with her as President. There is no better matchup than this superb former prosecutor against this convicted criminal, and she’ll prosecute the case against Trump every single day.
“The stakes are high, and we must focus all our energy on electing Kamala Harris and defeating Donald Trump.”
U.S. Rep. Doris Matsui
“President Joe Biden is an extraordinary American, phenomenal public servant, and honest, compassionate leader. As a Senator, Vice President, and President he has dedicated his life to serving the American people. Each and every day, he has brought an unparalleled level of grit and determination to deliver results. I am tremendously proud of the President and his achievements.
“Under President Biden’s leadership, we passed some of the most consequential legislation in American history. His body of work has empowered millions upon millions of Americans, lifting up our most underserved and advancing equity and opportunity for communities across the country. President Biden delivered on his promises to fight the climate crisis, rebuild our country’s infrastructure, invest in American workers, lower health care costs, and create millions of good-paying jobs. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the CHIPS and Science Act are down payments on America’s future, whose monumental investments will be felt for generations to come.
“In the midst of the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, after suffering four intensely divisive years, President Biden led us back into the light. At a time of unprecedented uncertainty, he provided a unifying voice and vision. He reminded us that the American story is one of progress, possibilities, and resilience. That nothing is beyond the capacity of the American people. By answering the call to serve, he restored our standing on the world stage and brought dignity back to the White House.
“By choosing to step aside as the Democratic nominee he has, again, chosen unity. We all owe President Biden a debt of gratitude. He has put service to his country above all else. We must now double down on our efforts to build on his good work and improve the lives of every American. Thank you, Mr. President.”
U.S. Rep. Ami Bera
“With today’s announcement, President Biden’s legacy is intact.
“As an early supporter of President Biden in 2019 and someone who worked hard to get him elected, I can confidently say that he has been a phenomenal and consequential president.
“I know the president to be a man of great character who always will put the interests of our great nation first–– and that is exactly what I see him doing today.
“The stakes of this election cannot be overstated. It is time for the Democratic Party to rally behind Vice President Kamala Harris and build on President Biden’s historic legacy.
“As someone who’s known and served with Vice President Kamala Harris, I wholeheartedly endorse her to be our party’s nominee and look forward to electing the first woman of African and Indian-American descent to the presidency this November.”
U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson
"From the Senate to the White House, President Biden has selflessly dedicated his life to serving our country. And nowhere is his ability to govern more apparent than in his tremendous successes as President.
"In three short years, President Biden led our country out of the darkest days of a global pandemic, skillfully building our economy into the strongest in the world. He passed the most significant gun violence prevention legislation in three decades, made historic investments in our transportation and infrastructure, made the largest investment in climate resiliency we’ve ever seen, and so much more. President Biden stands as one of our most effective presidents in modern history.
"To President Biden: Thank you. The American people are better off because of your steadfast and honest leadership, and we owe you a debt of gratitude for your decades of service to our country."
California State Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire
“President Biden has led our nation with incredible skill, heart, and determination. His presidency has implemented generational change. Through his leadership, America’s economy is back from the abyss, he’s created a record number of jobs for working families, he’s reinvested in rural America, doubled the stock market, stood strong for reproductive rights and, because of his steady hand, America is back as a beacon of hope for the rest of the world. His leadership has been nothing short of tremendous, especially coming out of a global pandemic. California is deeply grateful for his tireless dedication to this nation we all love to call home.”
California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas
“.@potus has my deepest gratitude for his selfless leadership and the incredible progress he’s made for America. We are forever indebted to him for beating @realDonaldTrump in 2020, and for laying the foundation to beat him again in 2024. Thank you, Mr. President.”
California State Senator Scott Wiener
“President Biden is an extraordinary leader. He led us out of the pandemic & the disastrous Trump presidency. He delivered critical legislative wins on climate, manufacturing & infrastructure. And once again, he’s putting the nation before himself. Thank you, Mr. President.”
California State Senator Steve Padilla
“President Biden has dedicated his entire life to the service of the American people. Faced with tragedy and hardship, time and time again, he has always answered his country’s call for leaders of quality. Under his leadership as President, America made unprecedented investments in our response to climate change, lowered health care costs for millions, and overcame the deadliest pandemic in over a century. He entered office in a time of uncertainty, but will leave with a legacy and body of work the likes of which few politicians will ever achieve. His decision to step aside will be remembered as one of the single most selfless acts of patriotism in our country’s history. He is an exemplary leader Americans can be proud of and for that we owe him every measure of our gratitude and respect.”
