President Biden gave in to mounting pressure from Democratic leaders and lawmakers, abandoning his reelection bid on Sunday, three weeks after a disastrous debate performance against former President Donald Trump threw his campaign into crisis and gave rise to grave doubts that he could wage a winning race. Following release of a letter announcing his withdrawal from the race, Biden issued a statement saying he was endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to become the Democratic nominee. Here are reactions from Massachusetts political figures to the stunning developments.
Gov. Maura Healey:
President Biden’s decision not to seek reelection is the ultimate example of putting the country first — something he has done over and over again in his unparalleled career. We are all deeply grateful to President Biden for his lifetime of service. Thank you, Mr. President.
US Sen. Elizabeth Warren:
Joe Biden’s presidency has been transformational. He accomplished more in the past four years — to bring back jobs, stand up to big corporations, and build an economy that works for all of us — than we have been able to get done in the last forty. He deserves full credit for beating Donald Trump in 2020, and his selfless decision today gives us our best shot at doing it again in 2024. While Donald Trump tried to tear down our democracy to maintain his grip on power, Joe Biden willingly stepped aside in order to protect our democracy. President Biden’s selfless action is a profound gift to the people of the United States – and it’s on all of us not to waste it.
I endorse Kamala Harris for President. She is a proven fighter who has been a national leader in safeguarding consumers and protecting access to abortion. As a former prosecutor, she can press a forceful case against allowing Donald Trump to regain the White House. We have many talented people in our party, but Vice President Harris is the person who was chosen by the voters to succeed Joe Biden if needed. She can unite our party, take on Donald Trump, and win in November.
US Sen. Edward Markey:
From reunifying NATO, to passing the largest climate investment in our nation’s history, President Joe Biden has helped save democracy and the planet.
When confronted with a coronavirus pandemic that was taking lives and livelihoods, President Biden passed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan and infused billions of dollars into our small businesses and cities and towns, ramped up vaccine production, and ensured that our hospitals and health care workers had the resources they needed.
When confronted with crumbling roads, bridges, highways, and a reimagining of a 21st century transportation system, President Biden passed the $1 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the single largest investment in repairing and reconstructing our nation’s bridges since the construction of the interstate highway system and the largest federal investment in public transit in history.
It has been hard work, and there is more to do, but under the leadership of President Biden we are meeting the great challenges of our times. President Joe Biden has an unmatched record in modern U.S. history, and I am forever grateful for his service and friendship.
Attorney General Andrea Campbell:
Throughout his career in public service including his presidency, President Joe Biden has set the standard for courage, empathy, sacrifice and unity. His model for leadership will be one future generations of public servants look to for decades to come. and with President Biden, we have had a true partner to help us improve the quality of life for everyone in Massachusetts…. Thank you President Biden for being the bridge to a future of greater opportunity for our country and Commonwealth.
…Vice President Harris has already been doing the work. In the past three years, she has delivered on maternal health, gun safety reform and climate resiliency initiatives. She will continue to build upon that work creating new opportunities for all Americans. Vice President Harris has my full support for the nomination and my full support for president of the United States. I look forward to campaigning for her and other Democrats up and down the ballot this summer and fall. It’s about time we had a female president!
Senate President Karen Spilka:
President Biden just showed America what true leadership looks like. One of the most consequential presidents of my lifetime just put his country before himself, as he always has. Unity matters now more than ever before – it’s time for Democrats to come together behind Vice President Harris to defeat Donald Trump.
House Speaker Ron Mariano:
Joe Biden has selflessly dedicated over 50 years of his life to public service. During his time as a Senator, as Vice President, and as President of the United States, Joe Biden has worked tirelessly on behalf of the American people, unwavering in his belief that government can be an agent of good, one that uplifts the middle class and that protects the rights and freedoms of all Americans. Over the past three and a half years, we have witnessed President Biden’s experience and deep understanding of the issues on full display, the result of which being one of the most productive presidencies of my lifetime despite the immense challenges that his administration inherited. The President’s decision not to seek reelection is the latest example of his enduring commitment to placing the best interests of the country over his own personal aspirations. I am incredibly grateful for the work that Joe Biden has done throughout his remarkable career, and for the sacrifices that he has made in service to the country that he loves.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu:
President Biden has given a lifetime of service to our country. I’m grateful for his unwavering dedication to the American people and the many ways in which he has delivered for the City of Boston and our families. Today he extends his legacy of toughness and patriotism, once again demonstrating the will to make challenging decisions in service of our nation.
Vice President Kamala Harris is the leader we need to meet this moment. With the Biden-Harris administration’s record of accomplishment, and with the activism of communities across the country ready to fight for our brightest future, Democrats will win in November, and I will do all I can to help. I’m excited to organize and vote for Vice President Harris as our nominee at the Democratic National Convention in August, and as our President in November.
US Rep. Richard Neal, dean of Massachusetts delegation:
As he has throughout his career in public service, @POTUS puts his country first. He will go down as one of America’s greatest leaders, delivering the world’s strongest economy & making historic investments in our workers, families, patients, & veterans. Thank you, Mr. President.
US Rep. Jim McGovern:
Joe Biden is a transformational president & leader who delivered on his promise to restore the soul of the nation & worked hard to make life better for the American people. He always puts our democracy first—something Donald Trump has never done and is incapable of doing.
I am thrilled to wholeheartedly endorse @KamalaHarris to be our nominee. Throughout her career in public service she has shown an incredible ability to bring people together, take on the big banks & special interests, stand up for the underdog, & fight for what she believes in.
US Rep. Katherine Clark, Democratic Whip:
Today’s announcement embodies President Biden’s steadfast courage and patriotism. At every point in his remarkable career, Joe Biden has put his country first — advancing the project of democracy and meeting the needs of the American people.
…I am deeply grateful for @POTUS and his unfailing commitment to America. As he closes this chapter of unparalleled service to our country, his leadership and legacy of progress will chart the way toward a future that realizes our ideals of liberty and justice for all.
US Rep. Ayanna Pressley:
Thank you for your dedicated service President @JoeBiden. And @KamalaHarris I’m all in, let’s go.
US Rep. Lori Trahan:
Joe Biden saved our Democracy in 2020, and he has worked with House Democrats to deliver unprecedented progress for the American people. President Biden’s decision to pass the baton positions us to defeat Donald Trump again this November and build on the work we’ve done.
Together with our strong, proven Vice President Kamala Harris, Democrats will make a clear, effective case to voters why our commitment to improving the lives of every American is the better choice than Donald Trump’s chaotic and extreme Republican Party.
US Rep. Seth Moulton:
Proud of our president, who will go down in history as a great statesman, and proud to endorse our vice president, who has the energy, courage, and vision to beat Donald Trump. Now let’s come together and get to work!
US Rep. Jake Auchincloss:
Joe Biden is the first president in U.S. history who has had to defend democracy at home & abroad simultaneously. He has done so admirably. Thank you for your service, Mr. President. Now let’s win.
US Rep. Bill Keating:
Inflation is down, the stock market is at an all-time high, and Joe Biden’s term as President has not just been a success, but a historic success in moving us from the economic and healthcare crisis of the pandemic to the number one economy in the world.
As if the last four years didn’t already make it clear, today firmly demonstrates that Joe Biden is the antithesis of Donald Trump, putting country ahead of personal ambition.
As our country faces threats to our personal, civil, and financial rights from the prospect of a Trump-Vance administration, I am excited to support Vice President @KamalaHarris as our Democratic nominee.
Massachusetts Republican Party:
Whether it’s Biden or another Democrat, their scare tactics won’t distract from their failed policies. From the economy to border security, Dems have fallen short. Americans want a shift, and we’re confident that no Democrat will measure up to the Republican ticket.
State Rep. Chris Worrell, a delegate to the Democratic national convention, and Boston City Councilor Brian Worrell, his brother, an alternate to the convention:
As an elected delegate and alternate to the Democratic National Convention, we are formally committing our support to Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic Nominee for President of the United States.
Vice President Harris is unmatched in her experience, record of accomplishment, and unwavering commitment to supporting people of color and underserved communities. In August, we look forward to going to Chicago to cast our votes for Kamala Harris and working each and every day to ensure she is the next President.