Local and regional reaction to President Biden's decision
Morelle backs Harris for president
When President Joe Biden suspended his reelection campaign Sunday, he effectively launched the presidential campaign of Kamala Harris. He endorsed his vice president, and a slew of Democrats followed suit.
That includes Rep. Joe Morelle, who endorsed Harris during a news conference Monday morning.
"Today, I believe it's most prudent to turn our attention to the future and decide on the future we want for our nation and for our families," Morelle said. "And I believe this future starts with Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for president. She is proven, prepared, and ready to move America forward."
Democrats will choose their presidential candidate during their convention, which will be held from Aug. 19-22 in Chicago.
Morelle also praised Biden for the work he's done as president and over his five-decades-long political career.
"The president's decision to entrust our nation's future to a new generation is a testament to his selfless patriotism, to his commitment to our democratic principles, and his dedication to the American people," Morelle said.
Bello weighs in on Biden leaving the race
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello posted this brief statement on his Facebook page Sunday:
Gov. Hochul, who had been loyal Biden backer, is endorsing Harris for President
Gov. Kathy Hochul, who had been among the Democratic leaders who staunchly backed President Biden's reelection bid in recent weeks, thanked him for his service on social media on Sunday, and then endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign for President.
As Democrats, our mission remains the same: doing everything in our power to defeat Donald Trump.
— Kathy Hochul (@KathyHochul) July 21, 2024
I’m proud to stand beside @KamalaHarris, she is the right candidate to unite our country and I am confident she will deliver for New Yorkers. Let’s get to work. pic.twitter.com/qFnBOkqfeT
Assemblymember Sarah Clark looks forward to re-energizing the Democratic Party
Local Assemblymember Sarah Clark is among the area Democrats weighing in on President Biden’s decision to withdraw from his reelection rate. She said it was his decision to make but agrees with it.
"Given what we've seen of him in the last few weeks, the last few months, I think it was the right decision,” said Clark. “I think it gives us a chance to really coalesce behind his VP, Kamala, and really re-energize the party in a way that I think people weren't feeling beforehand.”
Clark went onto say that the need to invigorate the party and boost voter participation has become paramount, and said that this turn of events can support that outcome.
"I think really finding a chance to re-energize the party and make sure we're really getting the most impact we can, in terms of people being excited and people coming out to vote," said Clark.
The Democratic National Convention, set to officially nominate the party's candidate, is just weeks away.
Assemblymember Jen Lunsford praises Biden and says he was a good mentor for Harris's candidacy
Like a number of Democratic party officials and lawmakers, local State Assemblymember Jen Lunsford said that President Biden deserves credit for putting the best interest of the nation above his personal needs.
"The thing I know about Joe Biden is that he always puts our country first, and if he felt it was in the best interest of our nation for him to make this decision, then I'm sure it was the right decision,” Lunsford said.
Lunsford went on to say that Vice President Kamala Harris, whom Biden endorsed to be the party nominee, has the benefit of Biden’s resources behind her.
"With our Vice President, she also has that campaign infrastructure,” said Lunsford. “She has a substantial war chest. She has the experience from her years in office serving with President Biden, who I think couldn't be a better mentor and leader for her to be able to learn this job under."
The Democratic National Convention, where the party will officially nominate its candidate, is scheduled to take place in a few weeks.
Bronson praises Biden's legacy; wants to wait on endorsing a presidential candidate
Local Democratic Assemblymember Harry Bronson described President Joe Biden’s decision to drop out of the race as a noble act.
“President Biden has made an extraordinary decision to withdraw from the presidential race this year. I think, in the end, he needed to evaluate everything, as it related to him and his family,” said Bronson. “But, as he so often has done during his career, he put the American people and the country first.”
Bronson is one of the nationwide Democratic delegates tasked with finding a replacement for Biden in time for the Democratic National Convention in late August.
And on Monday, Bronson released a statement endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for President. He said "she has demonstrated a resolute commitment to equity and justice," and said she has "consistently shown courage in standing up to adversity and fighting for the safety, protection and opportunity of the American people."
Biden has also endorsed Harris to be the Democratic party's nominee for President.
Sen. Brouk praises Biden for his service; looks forward to a Harris candidacy
State Senator Samra Brouk is among the local Democrats both praising Biden’s years of service, but also looking forward to next month’s convention and the November election.
Brouk is enthusiastic about Vice President Kamala Harris, supporting her as a choice to head the Democrats' ticket this fall.
“Especially with the endorsement of President Joe Biden, I think that Vice President Kamala Harris has shown herself to have courage to have the integrity for this position she has the experience for this position,” said Brouk.
And Brouk said it’s crucial that Democrats are united heading into the November election.
“I also know that if we don't all as Democrats really get behind and work as one, we are vulnerable,” added Brouk. “And so, my greatest hope is that, just like we're all going through this process together. We all got this news. And we're all adjusting. But my greatest hope is that after folks can take a breath. tomorrow we get back to work.”
Brouk said she is “immensely grateful to President Biden for his decades of service,” and she also praised Harris has someone who will stand behind Democratic party principles including the fight for reproductive freedom.
State Sen. Jeremy Cooney praises Biden and Harris
State Senator and high-profile local Democrat Jeremy Cooney said that Biden stepping down points to the president’s strength of character.
“I'm just filled with gratitude for the humility that President Biden has demonstrated by his ability to not seek re-election,” Cooney said.
Cooney, who is a delegate to next month’s national Democratic Convention in Chicago said that as that event approaches, time is of the essence.
“I think it is probably just the last time we have to make sure that we can get all of our ducks in a row before the convention begins in Chicago.said Cooney, "and we can put all of our focus on defeating Trump.”
Cooney also backs Kamala Harris in her quest to get the Democratic nomination, and called it “an opportunity for our nation to elect the first woman president of the United States, long overdue to have an African American woman to have a woman with Indian American heritage which of course is deeply personal to me as an Indian American," said Cooney.
"The contrast between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump couldn't be more stark,” Cooney said.
Mayor Evans credits Biden for partnering with America's cities
Rochester Mayor Malik Evans issued a statement Sunday praising President Biden who he said “has delivered historic progress for America’s cities.”
Evans referred to legislation on a number of issues including the American Rescue Plan, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, inflation Reduction Act and the CHIPS and Science Act which Evans said “have greatly benefited the Rochester region.”
But Evans did not endorse a Democratic presidential candidate in his statement, only saying that he looks forward “to the upcoming convention where our nominee will be officially selected.”
NY Party Chairs weigh in on Biden decision
New York Democrats are praising President Joe Biden for dropping his reelection bid.
That includes state Democratic Chair Jay Jacobs. He said Biden made the right choice.
“I think it was, you know, a noble act,” said Jacobs. “He's always demonstrated greatness and no more so than now."
The president's decision to drop out and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris not only upends the presidential race, but also some key congressional races in New York.
That includes a handful of seats in the New York City suburbs that could determine which party wins control of the House of Representatives.
The Democratic Chair said he thinks Biden's exit will reinvigorate the party and help Democratic candidates in those races.
Later on Sunday, Jacobs said that he was endorsing Harris's presidential bid after conferring with elected and Party leaders from around the state. He called Harris, "a proven leader, a partner to one of our most successful Presidents, Joe Biden, and someone who represents the ideals, principles and values of the Democratic Party."
But State Republican Party Chair Ed Cox says Trump remains on track to win back the White House.
“She is as responsible for the position of her party at this point and changing horses whether to Vice President Harris or to anyone else, is not going to change the fact that former President Donald Trump is on his way to a landslide victory,” Cox said.
The election is just over 100 days away.
Monroe County Democratic delegates endorse Kamala Harris
The 13 Monroe County delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August came out on Monday in support of the presidential campaign of Vice President Kamala Harris.
The delegates include local party Chair Stephen DeVay who said Harris's career has demonstrated her commitment to our country and our ability to lead."
“I think that our chances of defeating Trump with somebody that's going to be able to really campaign vigorously every day is definitely going to be really great for us going into November,” DeVay told WXXI News.
Other local Democratic delegates to the national convention include County Executive Adam Bello, County Clerk Jamie Romeo, Legislature President Yversha Roman, and area state lawmakers including Assemblymember Harry Bronson, and State Senators Jeremy Cooney and Samra Brouk.
Monroe County Republican Chair Pat Reilly issued a statement Sunday which said in part, "We are all witnessing the anti-democratic Democrat Party showing that they will do anything to cling to power."
Reilly, like a number of other Republican leaders, said that if Biden "is unfit to run for President, then he is clearly unfit to serve as President."
Biden indicated in his statement on Sunday that he will complete his term as president.
Morelle: Biden 'put the needs of our country ahead of himself'
U.S. Rep. Joe Morelle released the following statement Sunday afternoon:
“President Biden has done what every true leader ought to: put the needs of our country ahead of himself. This difficult decision is an act of true patriotism for the good of our democracy.
“I am deeply grateful for all he has done to create a better America over the past four years and throughout his lifetime of public service.
“Thank you, Mr. President.”
Stefanik: If Biden can't run, 'he is unable and unfit to serve as president'
Jose Luis Magana
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AP Photo U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik released the following statement Sunday afternoon: “If Joe Biden can’t run for re-election, he is unable and unfit to serve as President of the United States. He must immediately resign. "The Democrat Party is in absolute free fall for their blatantly corrupt and desperate attempt to cover up the fact that Joe Biden is unfit for office. "Every elected Democrat in America owns Joe Biden’s failed and feckless record causing the border crisis, Bidenflation, and chaos and weakness around the world. "President Trump will win this November to save America.” |
Gillibrand: President 'improved the lives of million of Americans'
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand issued the following statement on Sunday afternoon:
“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.”
Gillibrand issued a statement Monday morning saying that she is “proud to endorse my friend, Vice President Kamala Harris, for president.” Gillibrand called her, “incredibly well-qualified, with experience as a prosecutor, as a lawmaker, and as a leader on the world stage.”
Schumer: Biden 'put his country, his party, and our future first'
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer released the following statement on Sunday afternoon:
“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.”
