VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Reactions from Virginia lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are coming in after President Joe Biden announced he would no longer seek re-election, and endorsed his running mate, Vice President Kamala Harris, to be the Democratic nominee.
U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-Virginia)
Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia issued the following statement:
“As I have been saying for weeks, President Biden is a patriotic American who has always put the needs of our country ahead of himself. For more than five decades, he has served this country admirably as a Senator, Vice President, and now President. His decision today reflects the same patriotism that George Washington and Teddy Roosevelt demonstrated when they selflessly put their country above their own political ambitions.
“From ushering in an economic recovery from the pandemic that is the envy of the world, to finally rebuilding our roads and bridges, reclaiming our leadership on the international stage, lowering the cost of prescription drugs and capping the cost of insulin, President Biden has achieved historic progress for our country. I’m deeply grateful for his years of service.
“I am laser-focused on building on the historic accomplishments of the Biden-Harris administration, by continuing to lower costs for Virginians, protecting our democracy at home and abroad, and safeguarding Americans’ reproductive freedoms. I’m looking forward to working with my friend Kamala Harris and a great ticket mate to keep Virginia blue so that we can continue to build on our progress.”
U.S. Senator Mark Warner (D-Virginia)
Sen. Mark Warner issued the following statement:
“This nation owes Joe Biden a debt of gratitude for putting everything on hold to run in 2020 and taking the reins as President during a particularly turbulent time. He charted a bright path forward for our nation after four tumultuous years under the former administration.
“President Biden has made historic contributions to our nation. His love of country and loyalty to the American people has been unwavering. He will undoubtedly go down in the history books as a true American patriot.
“After all he’s done, I respect President Biden’s difficult decision to step aside in this upcoming election, and I look forward to hearing more from him later this week.
“While there has to be an orderly process and the decision ultimately rests in the hands of the DNC delegates, I believe Vice President Harris has the experience, energy, and resolve to lead our nation.
“This November, we must defeat Donald Trump and his backwards agenda.”
US Representative Bobby Scott (D, VA-03)
Third District U.S. Rep. issued the following statement on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter:
@JoeBiden has been one of our nation's most transformative presidents. It's critical that we build upon his remarkable achievements - record job growth, historic investments in infrastructure, passing the most significant climate legislation, & reducing health care costs.
The only person best situated to build on that record and defeat Trump is our Vice President @KamalaHarris. She is ready to serve and will make a great president. Let's get to work!
US Representative Jennifer McClellan (D, VA-04)
Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan issued the following statement on Sunday:
“In just one term, President Biden built a tremendous legacy of achievement, saving our economy from the brink of collapse, passing major infrastructure legislation and the most significant climate law in American history. The Biden-Harris Administration is the most consequential presidential administration of my lifetime.
“I applaud President Biden for his five decades of service to the American people, and I look forward to working with him through the end of his term. I know this was a difficult decision for the President, and I thank him for always putting the good of the country first.
“I join President Biden in fully endorsing Vice President Harris as our Democratic nominee. Vice President Harris is a champion for reproductive freedom, civil rights, and a fair economy that leaves no one behind. Vice President Harris is the most qualified person to be President on Day 1. There remains a stark choice in this election between Donald Trump’s campaign of personal retribution and extreme policies as outlined in Project 2025, and Kamala Harris’ campaign to protect our rights and create economic opportunity for all. I call on Democrats to unite behind Vice President Harris to defeat Donald Trump and build on the progress of the Biden-Harris Administration."
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin (R)
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued the following statement on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter:
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares (R)
Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares issued the following statement on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter:
For years Washington democrats knew that @joebiden was not capable to serve as president yet they stood with him to hold onto power. This is one of the greatest political scandals in American history; the White House hid from the American public his decline, jeopardizing each and everyone one of us. They lied and just disenfranchised 14 million primary voters
If @joebiden believes he’s not physically capable of serving as president in January ‘25 it really means he’s not capable to serve now and needs to resign. We can’t afford any more weak leadership
Virginia House Speaker Don Scott (D)
House of Delegates Speaker Don Scott issued the following statements on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter:
Thank you, @JoeBiden for your unwavering belief in America. Thank you for the exemplary way you have led. At a time when America's very democracy was challenged, you calmed the country and brought us through a devastating crisis and put us back on track. I'm very grateful to you, sir.
In a second post on X, Scott said: Let's go @VP! This is historic and we are 100 percent with you!
Virginia House Minority Leader Todd Gilbert (R)
"The 'save democracy' crowd in the Democrat party finally ousted their democratically-chosen nominee. No matter who emerges from this mess of their own making, Democrats will continue to make life harder, less prosperous, and more dangerous for all Americans," Virginia House GOP Leader Todd Gilbert said in a statement.
Virginia Senator L. Louise Lucas (D)
"President Biden’s leadership rescued our country from one of the darkest periods in our history- a failing economy, a pandemic worsened by our leadership and a democracy in peril," Sen. Louise Lucas said on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. "I want to personally express my gratitude for all that he has done for our country."
Virginia Senator Mamie Locke (D)
"I am so sorry to hear President Biden is stepping away. The leadership of this party has been so disrespectful to an individual who has done so much for them and this country. Ungrateful SOBs," Sen. Mamie Locke said on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. "Anyway, if support does not go to VP Harris, what’s the justification."
Virginia Senator Aaron Rouse (D)
"Thank you for your leadership and service to our country, @JoeBiden," Sen. Aaron Rouse said on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. "Today, we turn to a new generation of leadership to win this election and lead our nation forward. Vice President @KamalaHarris is ready for this moment. Let’s get to work."
Virginia Delegate Michael Feggans (D)
Virginia 97th District Delegate Michael Feggans (D-Virginia Beach) issued the following statement:
"During my time in the Air Force, I had the honor of serving under President Biden, whose leadership restored confidence and reminded us of the true meaning of commander-in-chief.
"Over the past three and a half years, the Biden-Harris administration has made tremendous progress in upgrading our infrastructure, reducing the cost of prescription drugs, combating climate change, and supporting our veterans and their families. I am grateful for his dedication and appreciate the courage it takes to pass the torch to Vice President Harris.
"As one of the nearly 150 national Delegates representing Virginia at the 2024 Democratic National Convention, I am proud to have the opportunity to cast my vote for Vice President Kamala Harris as our next commander-in-chief.
"Her leadership will continue to build upon the progress we have seen over the past few years and further strengthen our nation.
"Thank you once again Mr. President, for your decades of service and leadership to this country.
"Let's go win this."
Democratic Party of Virginia
DPVA Chair Susan Swecker shared this statement following President Biden's announcement that he is withdrawing from the presidential race:
President Joe Biden has been one of the most transformative and effective presidents in history. In 2020, he ran with a promise to restore the soul of our nation, and he did just that. He has–and will continue to–deliver on his campaign promises that have changed the lives of millions of Americans by leading us out of the pandemic, rebuilding our economy, and reestablishing America’s position as a trusted global leader.
President Biden has never been in politics for himself. Though his decision not to run is painful for so many of us, it represents his greatest quality: unwavering patriotism and service to the American people. Joe Biden’s decision to step aside is one that we deeply respect and we thank him for everything that he has done and will continue to do.