Local delegation reacts to President Biden’s decision to suspend his re-election campaign

There were numerous reactions from politicians in Massachusetts after President Joe Biden announced that he was suspending his re-election campaign.

Governor Maura Healey thanked Biden for his years of service and said, among other things:

“Joe Biden ran for president to restore the soul of our country and defeat the greatest threat our democracy has ever faced. And that’s exactly what he did. Few could have risen to the challenge like Joe Biden. He restored our economy, defended our freedoms, and protected democracy at home and abroad. He led with decency and empathy and brought Americans together. President Biden’s decision today not to seek re-election is the ultimate example of putting country first – something Joe Biden has done time and time again throughout his unprecedented career. We are all deeply grateful to President Biden for his lifelong commitment. Thank you, Mr. President.”

Congressman Ed Markey said Biden’s political record is unmatched:

“From reunifying NATO to passing the largest climate investment in our history, President Joe Biden has helped save democracy and the planet. He has a record that is unparalleled in modern U.S. history, and I am eternally grateful for his service and friendship.”

Congresswoman Lori Trahan said Biden saved democracy in 2020 and delivered unprecedented progress for American families.

“Joe Biden saved our democracy in 2020, and he worked with Democrats in the House to deliver unprecedented progress for the American people. President Biden’s decision to pass the baton puts us in a position to Donald Trump “We’re working with you again this November and building on the work we’ve done to lower the cost of living for families, strengthen our economy, and protect women’s reproductive freedom. Together with our strong, proven Vice President Kamala Harris, Democrats will clearly and effectively explain to voters why our commitment to improving the lives of all Americans is a better choice than Donald Trump’s chaotic and extreme Republican Party.”

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley thanked Biden and expressed her confidence in Vice President Kamala Harris, who supported Biden as the Democratic candidate.

Representative Jake Auchincloss thanked Biden in a brief statement, saying in part: “Joe Biden is the first president in U.S. history to have had to defend democracy at home and abroad simultaneously. He has done so admirably. Thank you for your service, Mr. President. Now let’s win.”

In a lengthy statement, the MassDems called Biden a man of integrity and said, among other things:

“President Joe Biden will go down in history as one of the greatest leaders our nation has ever had. In the decades he has spent serving the American people, there has been no one more committed to decency, no one more compassionate, no one more passionate about every single cause that could improve the lives of the people he represents.”

Amy Carnevale, chair of the MassGOP, says Republicans are in an excellent position to win in November, even regardless of Biden’s resignation.

“No matter who the candidate is, Americans now see through the failed policies of the Democratic Party,” she said. “From the economy to border security, the Democrats have failed. Americans want change, and we are convinced that no Democrat can compete with the Republicans.”

Biden’s decision comes about a month before the start of the Democratic Party Convention and just over 100 days before Election Day.

As recently as Friday afternoon, Biden insisted that he would return to the campaign trail after his positive Covid-19 test.

In a memo sent to CNN on Friday, Biden said, “I look forward to getting back on the campaign trail next week to continue to expose the threat posed by Donald Trump’s Project 2025 agenda while making the case for my own record and my vision for America: an America where we save our democracy, protect our rights and freedoms, and create opportunity for all,” adding, “The stakes are high, and the choice is clear. Together, we will win.”

The health concerns were the latest in a series of events putting pressure on Biden’s presidential candidacy.

This is a developing story. Check back later for updates as more information becomes available.

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