New York Officials React To Biden's Exit From 2024 Election

NEW YORK — President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential election this past weekend may have been a surprise to many in the political world, with election days just months away.

In New York, political's reaction varied from thanking Biden for his service to the country, while others took the opportunity to formally endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate.

Here's what some had to say about the news:

NYC Mayor Eric Adams

"America owes a debt of gratitude to President Joe Biden for his decades of service. He and his team took us out of COVID, stabilized the country, and restored the soul of the nation."
"President Biden is now again delivering for the American people by passing the torch at a critical moment, when the country needs strong leadership from a new generation."

"From here, the Democratic Party must continue to put working-people first and address their concerns about the cost of living, public safety, and our shared democratic values. I look forward to working with senior members of the party as we make our push towards November and ensure we address the concerns of New Yorkers and all Americans."

Rep. Jerry Nadler

"Joe Biden, like FDR and LBJ before him, will go down as one of the most consequential Presidents in American history—having led our nation's recovery through one of its darkest chapters and making record-breaking investments in American families. Joe's announcement today reflects what we've known all along: he is an American patriot who is willing to put America's interests over his own."

Jay Jacobs, chairman of the NYS Democratic Committee

"I admired Joe Biden when he was a United States Senator. I thought his selection as Barack Obama's Vice Presidential pick was perfect for our country. I have admired Joe Biden's decency, honesty, and his demonstrated courage in the face of the most difficult of personal adversities. Joe Biden has been one of our most successful and impactful Presidents, certainly one of the most productive in the past 60 years."

"I have admired the job he has done under the most difficult of circumstances. "I have never admired Joe Biden more than I do today. Voluntarily ceding the nomination and forgoing a chance to serve for another four years in the job that he did so well in and spent a lifetime dreaming of attaining, is as noble an act as ever recorded in America's political history. Joe Biden's selflessness; his putting country and party above his own personal desires, places him in the category of every great political leader since George Washington set the standard some 225 years ago."

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand

"President Biden has served our country with courage, compassion, integrity and decency. I am honored to have served in the Senate during his administration, which achieved historic accomplishments related to gun safety, veterans' health care, infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, climate change, prescription drugs, and more. President Biden has improved the lives of millions of Americans and leaves behind a legacy that will echo for generations. On behalf of myself and every New Yorker: Thank you, Joe."

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries

"President Joe Biden is one of the most accomplished and consequential leaders in American history." "In less than one term, he rescued the nation from a once-in-a-century pandemic, brought the economy roaring back from the brink of recession, exacted consequential legislation for everyday Americans and saved our democracy by defeating the Insurrectionist-in-Chief." "America is a better place today because President Joe Biden has led us with intellect, grace and authority." "We are forever grateful."

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer

"Joe Biden has not only been a great president and a great legislative leader, but he is a truly amazing human being. His decision of course was not easy, but he once again put his country, his party, and our future first." "Joe, today shows you are a true patriot and great American."

Rep. Ritchie Torres (NY-15)

"President Joe Biden's selfless decision to step aside for a new generation of leadership—Vice President Kamala Harris—is an act of Washingtonian statesmanship. President Biden leaves behind a transformative legacy that puts him in the pantheon of great presidents among the likes of FDR and LBJ." "He has set our country on a trajectory to transition to a clean energy economy and combat catastrophic climate change. He has made the largest investments in infrastructure in more than half a century. He has positioned the United States to lead the 21st century with unprecedented investments in science and semiconductors."

"He has given America the most productive and productively bipartisan presidency in recent memory in areas ranging from gun safety to veteran health care." "President Biden's decision to exit the stage is not an act of weakness, but an act of strength—an affirmation that he has had a level of achievement in one term that most two-term Presidents would envy and few could emulate. His has been a monumental presidency for the ages, one that will be remembered long after his time in office."

Rep. Anthony D'Esposito (R-NY-04)

"President Biden's record in office: chaos at our border, debilitating inflation, crises overseas. Biden and Democrats have failed the American people on all fronts. No matter the nominee, we must elect Republicans up and down the ballot this November."

Rep. Tom Suozzi

"My heartfelt thanks to President Biden for his years of accomplishments. I will continue working with any one of good faith who genuinely wants to fix the border, to reduce the cost of living, and to help heal the divide in our nation."