PHOENIX — Arizona officials are reacting to the news that President Biden is ending his presidential re-election campaign.
He made the announcement in a letter post to X, formerly known as Twitter, on Sunday morning.
Watch ABC Special Report coverage on the Democratic race:
Governor Katie Hobbs:
“President Biden is the embodiment of a public servant. Throughout his career, he has led with integrity, selflessness, and unparalleled empathy. His decision today is a clear reflection of these qualities and his commitment to putting the American people first.
As President, he has delivered for the United States and for Arizona. Our state is benefitting from once-in-a-lifetime investments that are creating thousands of good-paying jobs for Arizonans and accelerating our economy, all while rebuilding our infrastructure and reviving American manufacturing. I look forward to continuing Arizona’s partnership with the Biden Administration for the final months of his term, and I know his dedication to moving our state forward remains steadfast.
While the timing of this announcement may be unprecedented, our country’s foundational principles of democracy guide us forward. A healthy democracy requires that Americans engage in thorough debate and deliberation to choose our nominee, and I am confident that our democracy will be strengthened because of it.”
On Monday, Gov. Hobbs released a statement supporting Vice President Harris for the Democratic nomination for President:
“As the last few weeks have made clear, Americans are looking for a new generation of leadership that will move past the divisiveness and unite us around our shared American values. I believe that leader is Vice President Harris, and I look forward to working with her to lower costs for Arizonans, restore reproductive freedom, and defend our democratic rights.”
Do you have a concern in your community or a news tip? We want to hear from you!
Connect with us: share@abc15.com
Congressman Ruben Gallego:
“From his work to pass the Violence Against Women Act as a Senator, to his fight to find a cure for cancer with his Cancer Moonshot as Vice President, to his life-changing work to cut the cost of prescription drugs and create more than 365,000 Arizona jobs as President, President Biden has consistently worked to make life better for hardworking Americans. He again put our country first today, as he has throughout his tenure as a public servant.
As we look to Election Day, Arizona is at a crossroads. Protecting abortion rights, lowering the cost of everyday essentials, securing our water future, taking care of our veterans — all of this and more is on the line. That’s why I will spend the next 107 days laser-focused on defeating Kari Lake and her dangerous plans to ban abortion, endanger our seniors’ Medicare, and hurt Arizona families.”
This is a developing story. Stick with ABC15 and ABC15.com as more reaction comes in.
Congressman Andy Biggs:
Joe Biden is too weak and feeble to be prosecuted.
— Rep Andy Biggs (@RepAndyBiggsAZ) July 21, 2024
He is too weak and feeble to campaign.
How is he strong enough to continue serving as Commander in Chief of the strongest nation in the world?
Joe Biden ought to step down.
Congressman Paul Gosar:
"By rigging their own election and forcing Joe Biden to quit, billionaire Democrat donors, Hollywood leftists and Democrat party elitists just gave the middle finger to the 14 million Democrats who selected Biden to be their nominee. The Democrat coup is complete."
Senator Mark Kelly:
"Joe Biden has been one of the most consequential presidents in history. He led us out of the pandemic, took historic steps to bring back microchip and clean energy manufacturing and rebuild our infrastructure, and he has strengthened our alliances and made our country safer. It takes great humility to make the difficult decision that President Biden has made to not seek re-election, but that’s the Joe Biden I know — someone who puts what he believes is best for his country above all else."
Congressman Raul Grijalva:
.@POTUS will be remembered as one of the most consequential presidents in our history.
— Raul M. Grijalva (@RepRaulGrijalva) July 21, 2024
His legacy will forever be one that helped save the US from fascism, led our nation out of the pandemic, crafted an economic recovery plan that prioritized working families, and led the… pic.twitter.com/THR2mXk070
Arizona Democratic Party Chairwoman Yolanda Bejarano:
"Donald Trump is the biggest threat to our democracy, our rights, and the future of our country. The Biden-Harris Administration has been one of the most successful in the history of our country— from rebuilding our economy to protecting our fundamental freedoms. President Biden has fought to make the lives of working families better, and we thank him for his incredible service. Today through November 5, we are steadfast in our commitment to defeating Donald Trump once and for all, and electing Democrats up and down the ballot."
Arizona Republican Party Chair Gina Swoboda:
“The disastrous policies of the Biden-Harris administration have failed the American people on every level. The working and middle class have been absolutely decimated by gas prices, grocery prices, and unaffordable housing, putting the American dream out of reach for so many. Our border is wide open, fentanyl is flowing into our communities, and the Democrat Party’s solution is to disenfranchise millions of their voters as they rearrange deck chairs on the Titanic. Kamala Harris has failed to execute a single task in her ‘czar’ portfolio and did not earn a single vote in any primary in 2020 or 2024. Regardless of who Democrats ‘select’ for the top of their ticket, they will lose. The American people need hope, and Donald J. Trump and JD Vance will restore opportunity and bring back American greatness.”
