Joe Biden drops out of the presidential race, local officials react

July 21, 2024

President Joe Biden announced on Sunday afternoon that he would withdraw as the Democratic presidential candidate in the upcoming November election.

“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve you as President,” Biden said in a letter shared on social media. “And while it was my intention to run for re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country that I step down and focus exclusively on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine tweeted that he wished Biden well.

“I have known President Biden since 1995, when I joined the U.S. Senate and served with him on the Senate Judiciary Committee,” DeWine said. “Fran and I wish President Biden and the First Lady the best for the remainder of his term and for years to come.”

Sherrod Brown, US Senator

In a Twitter post, US Senator Sherrod Brown thanked Biden for his public service. Brown called on Biden to drop out of the race.

“I thank President Biden for his years of dedicated service to the country we love – as a senator, as vice president and as president,” Brown said.

Shammas Malik, Mayor of Akron

Akron Mayor Shammas Malik expressed on Facebook his hope that the country would support Harris.

“I have not always agreed with President Biden, and I think any discussion of his legacy must take into account his handling of the Gaza conflict, but I believe he is fundamentally a decent and good man,” Malik said. “His book, ‘Promise Me Dad,’ helped me cope with the loss in my life. Now our country has the opportunity to move forward by electing Vice President Kamala Harris over former President Trump. Our country must make a choice – a return to the chaos and creeping authoritarianism of the Trump years or continue to build on the progress of the last four years.”

Kevin Coughlin, candidate for OH-13

In an email response to Biden’s decision to withdraw, Kevin Coughlin, who is running against Emilia Sykes for Ohio’s 13th congressional district seat, urged voters to vote Republican.

“Now the question must be asked of Emilia Sykes: If Biden is not healthy enough to run, how can he be healthy enough to serve?” Coughlin explained. “The reality is that the choice will remain the same regardless of who tops the list. If you care about border security: vote Republican. If you care about lower gas and grocery prices: vote Republican. If you care about the sacred right to vote ONLY for citizens: vote Republican. If you care about a culture of respect for law enforcement over one that rewards criminals: vote Republican. Nothing has changed.”

Election news from Ohio: Kevin Coughlin wins the Republican seat in the race for the 13th Congressional District

State Rep. Casey Weinstein

Casey Weinstein, a state representative from the 34th district, sent a message of praise through X when the news was released.

“Joe Biden will go down as one of the greatest presidents in history,” Weinstein tweeted.

Stow City Councilman Kyle Herman

Stow City Councilman Kyle Herman said in a Twitter post that he would support Vice President Kamala Harris as the new presidential candidate.

Bernie Moreno, candidate for the US Senate

Bernie Moreno, who is running against U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown in November, said in an email that Brown and the vice president “were the main conspirators and facilitators of the cover-up of Biden’s mental deterioration for years.”

“Kamala Harris is even more extreme than Joe Biden,” Moreno said. “Together with Sherrod Brown, they will stop at nothing to push through their radical agenda. The Democrats will rush to change their face, but the American people know only too well the consequences of their policies. That’s why we will defeat Sherrod Brown and Kamala Harris in November.”

Congresswoman Emilia Sykes, 13th District

Congresswoman Emilia Sykes thanked Biden for his work in an emailed statement.

“President Biden has served this country with honor, and while I’m sure this decision was not easy, I want to thank him for his service,” Sykes said. “The future prosperity of our country is serious business, and right now more than ever we need leaders who look to the future and are willing to work with everyone to find common ground and deliver meaningful results for our communities. We must ensure we have a strong democracy and an economy that works for everyone. My focus has always been Ohio’s 13th Congressional District, and in the months ahead, I will remain fully focused on delivering real results for my community, protecting our democracy and our freedoms, and working to make the American Dream a reality in Northeast Ohio.

“I look forward to working with Democrats to unify Vice President Kamala Harris as our presidential nominee.”

This is a developing story. Check back later for updates.