'Let's Get Busy:' HV Reacts After Biden Drops Out Of Presidential Race

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — People across the Hudson Valley are reacting to the seismic shift in the presidential race.

President Joe Biden, facing mounting pressure from party leaders, the voters and donors, decided to "stand down" from his reelection bid on Sunday. Moments after posting an open letter to the country, Biden gave his full endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination.

"Thank God, now let's get busy," said former Ossining resident John Deuel.

The union representing health care workers across the Hudson Valley called for unity among Americans "who reject the politics of authoritarianism and are committed to building a fair, just and free society for all.”

"It is regrettable that with such a stellar record of achievements, there was ever any doubt about President Biden’s ability to lead. Nevertheless, his decision to pass the torch to Vice President Harris reflects his longstanding commitment to putting the American people before personal ambition," said George Gresham, President of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East.

But state Sen. James Skoufis (D-42) thought Biden made the right decision. “As we find ourselves at yet another inflection point in our nation’s history, I am grateful that President Biden has chosen to withdraw from the 2024 presidential election. I cannot imagine it was an easy decision, but it was the right one to step aside to let another leader - one that Americans can feel confident voting into office for the next four years - take his place," Skoufis said.

"While I have disagreed with the president on his approach to Gaza, there is no question that he has secured transformational wins for the American people," said U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-16). "Vice President Harris is an exceptional leader who is best equipped to finish President Biden’s agenda including passing universal child care and paid leave for all, investing in economic equity, building affordable housing, and taxing the wealthy. I am also excited to see her execute her own transformational vision for the future of our democracy and our foreign policy. It's time to come together and rally the nation in support of Vice President Harris as our next president. She is the best candidate to beat the disgraced former president. Let us all follow her guiding light.”

Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-19) said it changed nothing in his race for re-election. "Josh Riley has always been one of the strongest supporters of the Biden-Harris agenda and New Yorkers are less safe because of the border crisis they created. President Biden may not be running, but his failed policies are and voters will hold Josh Riley accountable," Molinaro said.

Unlike New York State's Young Republican clubs, Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY 17) expressed appreciation. “Though President Biden and I have not seen eye-to-eye on a number of issues, I recognize his deep commitment to our country, and thank him for his years of service to the nation," Lawler said. "During a career that spanned 5 decades, the President committed himself to trying to better the lives of Americans, and while I disagree with his policy proposals, I appreciate his resolve and his sacrifices.”

The New York State Young Republicans chairman, Peter Giunta, issued a statement asserting "If there’s one issue that has united all Americans, it’s that Joe Biden has been the worst president in the history of our nation."

“President Biden has done a tremendous job leading the United States out of the pandemic and into an economy that is the envy of the world. With the narrowest of margins in Congress - with Vice President Kamala Harris frequently casting the 51st vote in the Senate - he pushed for, and won, incredible legislation for our country. His accomplishments include the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, funds from which are supporting projects in my district right now, as well as the nation's most consequential environmental legislation to date," said State Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg. "I am so tremendously grateful for his service to the country. As Democrats, we have an incredible record of success to run on this year, while Republicans have nothing but Project 2025 to offer. The choice is clear; let's get to work.”