On Sunday, President Joe Biden announced he was ending his reelection campaign, and then endorsed his Vice President Kamala Harris to be his successor at the top of the Democratic ticket.
Leaders from around Maryland had immediate reactions to the President’s decision:
Prince George’s County Executive and Dem Senate nominee Angela Alsobrooks:
Maryland US Senator Chris Van Hollen
“Joe Biden has time and again shown our nation the true meaning of a dedicated public servant. Over the last four years – and throughout his decades of prior service – he has delivered on behalf of the American people, working to better the lives of millions, while never forgetting where he came from and who he was fighting for. President Biden has always put our country first, and in making this decision, he has once again done what he thinks is best for the future of our democracy. His legacy will set an example of what we can accomplish on behalf of everyday Americans for generations to come. There’s still more work to be done – and I know the President is committed to seeing it through.”
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott:
President Biden has been one of the best, most accomplished presidents of my lifetime.
He’s been a true partner to Baltimore and a champion in the fight to end gun violence everywhere.
We’ll continue that fight together for the remainder of his tenure.
Now’s the time for us to rally around @KamalaHarris and defeat Donald Trump.
Black women have saved this country time and time again.
For that reason and a hundred others, there is no other — or better — option than the Vice President to unite our party and win in November.
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball:
During the last four years, @POTUS has served our country with honor, integrity, and a sincere focus on improving the lives of working Americans. Today, as he announces that he will not seek a second term, I want to thank him for his leadership, vision, and tireless efforts.
Former MD Governor and current GOP Senate nominee Larry Hogan:
I respect President Biden for his decades of public service. I believe he made the right decision for his family and the country. These are dangerous and unprecedented times. He should be commended for putting the country ahead of personal ambition.
The only way out of this cycle of chaos, divisiveness and dysfunction is to elect principled, common sense and experienced leaders who will focus on the day-to-day challenges facing Americans. We need less palace intrigue, less partisan nonsense, and more decisive action to solve the serious problems facing our nation. That’s why I’m running for U.S. Senate—to overcome all of the toxic politics and to bring strong, independent leadership to Washington.
Baltimore County Executive and 2nd Congressional District Dem nominee Johnny Olszewski Jr.
Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson
Maryland Democratic Party Chair Ken Ulman
“Joe Biden is among the best and most consequential presidents in American history. In three and half years, President Biden navigated the country through COVID and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, passed historic investments in infrastructure and climate, lowered prescription drug prices for seniors, passed landmark gun safety legislation, and so much more.
Our country and party owe Joe Biden a debt of gratitude. As President, he is a remarkable leader that has always put his country first.”
Maryland Republican Party Chairwoman Nicole Beus Harris:
"President Biden's wirthdrawal from the 2024 race saves the American people, and Marylanders, from the possibility of suffering under another four years of his failed 'leadership.' In their coverup of Joe Biden's incompetence, the Democrat Party has failed America, and they need to be held accountable.
Amid Democrat division and weakness, the Republican Party remains united behind returning President Trump to the White House and Making America Great Again!"
Congressman Kweisi Mfume
"It has been a tremendous honor to serve alongside President Biden in the Congress, and his tenure as the leader of our great nation will be revered forever. At this moment, we all would be better off if we allow him to have the dignity that he deserves and has earned in this moment. He has been and remains a great President who through the simple eloquence of his example has led our nation and the world through tough and difficult times.”
Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger
"In courageously deciding not to seek reelection, President Biden is putting his country’s needs before his own interests and ambitions. It reflects what I have known about him for decades: he is a selfless patriot who loves democracy above all else. We all owe the President a debt of gratitude for the progress we have made over the last 3.5 years of unprecedented job growth. Under his leadership, we are finally addressing climate change, prescription drugs are cheaper, veterans are getting better care and so much more. President Biden’s legacy will be among the strongest in American history.
The Democratic Party must unite around its nominee to protect us from the extreme MAGA Project 2025 agenda and a President who makes no secret of his love of self over country.
Vice President Kamala Harris is an excellent candidate to succeed President Biden as our nation’s first female president. Like me, she is a former prosecutor, a job that takes guts and the ability to speak truth to power, winning cases on behalf of students and veterans who were being taken advantage of by corporations. If she becomes the Democratic nominee for President, I am confident Vice President Harris will defend our freedoms and ensure we remain respected on the world stage and safe within our own borders.
Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski
“I extend my heartfelt thanks to President Biden for his incredible service to our country. He has been a great President, and his leadership has been instrumental in navigating some of the most challenging times in recent history. From investing in infrastructure and addressing climate change to rebuilding our nation’s standing on the global stage and fostering unity at home, President Biden has shown unwavering commitment to the American people.
On a more personal note, I cannot express how much I appreciated his steadfast dedication to the people of Baltimore County and the entire Baltimore region in the aftermath of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse.
As we look forward to the next chapter, it is time we embrace a new generation of leadership committed to building on the progress we’ve made. We must unite together to keep Donald Trump out of the White House and ensure we elect a president who will protect reproductive freedom, defend our democracy, and protect the values and achievements that define us as a nation.”
Maryland Democratic State Senate Delegation
"It is with great pride and enthusiasm that we, all eight members of the Senate of Maryland who are delegates for the Democratic National Convention, strongly endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States.
At no time has our country had such a distinct choice for President. And, no one is more prepared than Vice President Harris to take over and carry on President Biden's work and legacy.
With this resolve and total confidence, we endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for President of the United States."
Senate President Bill Ferguson
Chair Guy Guzzone
Chair Shelly Hettleman
Chair Antonio Hayes
Vice Chair Jeff Waldstreicher
Senator Sarah Elfreth
Senator Alonzo Washington
Senator Karen Lewis Young
This story may be updated.