Illinois elected officials react to Biden’s decision to drop out of race

Editor’s note: Capitol News Illinois has published a story on Illinois’ response, which you can find here. This post will no longer be updated.

Update: 10:25 a.m. July 22: Gov. JB Pritzker and the rest of Illinois’ congressional Democrats have now endorsed Vice President Kamala as the party’s nominee for president in 2024. You can view our Monday story here.

President Joe Biden announced Sunday he will not accept the Democratic Party’s nomination for president in 2024, and minutes later he endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. This post will be updated with reaction from Illinois lawmakers.

pic.twitter.com/RMIRvlSOYw

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 21, 2024

My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best… pic.twitter.com/x8DnvuImJV

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 21, 2024

Statement from Vice President Kamala Harris

INBOX: Statement from Vice President Kamala Harris pic.twitter.com/QUKjLGLo8b

— Ben Jacobs (@Bencjacobs) July 21, 2024

Statement from Gov. JB Pritzker

Illinois lawmakers – including Gov. JB Pritzker – quickly began reacting to the news. Pritzker, notably, did not mention Harris in his statement thanking Biden and vowing to defeat Donald Trump.

“President Joe Biden has dedicated his life in service to this nation, and its citizens are all the better for it. His is a storied political career culminating in one of the most accomplished and effective presidencies of our lifetime.  As President of the United States he led us through a recovery from a devastating pandemic and shepherded our economy away from a recession to prosperity. He worked across the aisle to pass some of the most consequential legislation in decades to rebuild our roads and bridges while investing in the infrastructure and jobs of the 21st century. Perhaps most consequentially, President Biden restored dignity to the Oval Office, bringing the statesmanship and honor that have been the hallmarks of his years of service, back to the White House. 

“As we extend our gratitude to President Biden and reflect on his many accomplishments, we must not ignore the threat posed by Donald Trump’s potential return to the White House.  Donald Trump is a 34 time convicted felon, adjudicated to have committed sexual assault, a racist, homophobe and misogynist.  Trump brags about taking away a woman’s right to choose, wants to rip healthcare away from tens of millions of people, proposes economic policies that will cost the middle class thousands of dollars a year, and threatens the fundamental American ideals we hold dear.  I will work every day to ensure that he does not win in November.”

Statement from U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin

Illinois’ U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Ducworth also did not mention Harris.

“Throughout his public career, Joe Biden always put country first. His four years as President made it clear that he was determined to put our country back on track and restore the soul of our nation. America will be forever grateful for all he has given to this country,” Durbin said.

“Now the Democratic Party must unite behind a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump and keep America moving in the right direction. I will do everything in my power to help that effort.”

Statement from U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth

“No one has done more for working Americans than Joe Biden—and so many of us owe him a debt of gratitude for everything he’s done to improve our country.

“Over more than 50 years in public service, he’s built an unparalleled record of accomplishments. From helping write the Violence Against Women Act in the Senate to shepherding the Affordable Care Act into law as Vice President and from helping guide our nation out of a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic to overseeing historic wage and job growth during his Presidency, Joe Biden has always put our country first and worked to change so many aspects of our lives for the better.

“From the bottom of my heart, I thank him for his effective and successful leadership and for, once again, putting our country before himself. This difficult decision ensures that Democrats can focus on the goal that unites each and every one of us: defeating Donald Trump and preventing another four years of his destructive chaos and corruption.”

UPDATED: Former presidents issue statement

Joe Biden has been one of America’s most consequential presidents, as well as a dear friend and partner to me. Today, we’ve also been reminded – again – that he’s a patriot of the highest order.

Here’s my full statement: https://t.co/Bs2ZumFXxe

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 21, 2024

Statement from President Clinton and Secretary Clinton pic.twitter.com/R7tYMFWbsu

— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) July 21, 2024

Statement from Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez

State Rep. Lisa Hernandez, D-Cicero, who is also the state’s Democratic Party chair, focused on Biden’s legacy.

“Today, we express our deepest gratitude to President Joe Biden for his unwavering service and dedication to our nation. Under his leadership, President Biden navigated some of the most challenging times in recent history – and without failure, he showed us that he is a man of the people. President Biden’s legacy is defined by his empathy, resilience, and steadfast commitment to the American people. 

“When President Biden took office, our nation was grappling with a devastating once-in-a-century pandemic. His administration successfully guided us through this unprecedented crisis. And during his presidency, President Biden has worked tirelessly to rebuild the backbone of America–a strong and inclusive middle class. His administration has created over 15.5 million jobs, including 459.7k jobs in Illinois in the last 3.5 years. His efforts to lower prescription drug costs and make health care more accessible have provided relief to millions for Americans. These accomplishments will have a lasting impact on our country and will continue to guide as we move forward. 

“We face a critical moment in our democracy. The stakes could not be higher, and we must stand firm against the threats posed by a potential Trump-Vance presidency. Donald Trump and J.D. “Vance represents a return to policies that favor the wealthy, threaten our health care, and undermine our democratic institutions. We must ensure that their regressive and divisive agenda does not prevail.

“The Democratic Party of Illinois is committed to this fight. We will mobilize, organize, and vote to ensure that the Democratic ticket prevails in November. Together, we can finish the job and build a stronger, more equitable nation. Thank you, President Biden, for your service and leadership. The work continues, and we are ready to face the challenges ahead with unity and resolve.”

New ILGOP Chair Kathy Salvi

“Today’s announcement is the culmination of years of lies from the Biden White House and Democrats shaming anyone who questioned the fitness of President Biden. Democrats are divided, torn apart by their own duplicity trying to pass off President Biden’s inability to fulfill his role, while Republicans stand united behind President Trump and an agenda of freedom, prosperity, and safety. Democrats have become the party of self-service while Republicans have become the voice of this nation. We as Illinois Republicans must continue to call attention to JB Pritzker’s tax-and-spend, pro-criminal agenda that drives families away from this state to protect the rest of the nation.”

Statement from Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias

.@JoeBiden reminds us, at a critical moment in our nation’s history, what it means to be a true public servant: decency, honor, integrity, selflessness & love. I’m proud of his legacy & his administration. Now let’s go save our democracy & our planet from the exact opposite.… https://t.co/3tbU0TNZM7

— Alexi Giannoulias (@Giannoulias) July 21, 2024

Members of Illinois’ congressional delegation

Democratic Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi

President Biden’s policy achievements have already established his place as one of the most consequential presidents in American history. Through his decision today, Joe Biden has demonstrated the true and selfless nature of a life committed to putting the country, and his fellow…

— Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (@CongressmanRaja) July 21,

Democratic Rep. Brad Schneider, who had called on Biden to leave the race

Thank you, @POTUS. pic.twitter.com/HP1SVR89CA

— Brad Schneider (@Schneider4IL10) July 21, 2024

Democratic Rep. Robin Kelly, who still had been supporting Biden

President Biden is one of the most impactful leaders of my lifetime, and he will continue to serve the American people well. In the last four years, President Biden saved our country from a pandemic, brought back our economy better than before, and passed historic pic.twitter.com/6JdkrXaCbs

— Dr. Robin Kelly (@RobinLynneKelly) July 21, 2024

Democratic Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, who had called on Biden to leave the race

I Commend President Biden and Endorses Kamala Harris as Democratic Nominee

Read my full statement here: pic.twitter.com/TbdjPT8vWu

— Jesús “Chuy” García (@Chuy4Congress) July 21, 2024

Democratic Rep. Mike Quigley, who had called on Biden to leave the race

Today, President Biden secured his legacy by making this difficult, selfless decision. We owe him an incredible debt of gratitude.

My full statement: https://t.co/eyDD6UFbtq pic.twitter.com/0jdhBJKfzv

— Mike Quigley (@QuigleyCampaign) July 21, 2024

Democratic Rep. Eric Sorenson, who had called on Biden to leave the race

My statement on President Biden’s decision: pic.twitter.com/aLbD7cWJEb

— Eric Sorensen (@ERICSORENSEN) July 21, 2024

Democratic Rep. Bill Foster

History will remember Joe Biden as one of our nation’s most consequential presidents and accomplished leaders.

His lifetime of public service has made the country safer and better, and his decision to step down as the nominee of our party will be counted among the most selfless acts of patriotism as any leader in American history.

By putting our nation’s best interests above his own, he’s solidified his legacy, and he has passed the torch to the next generation to defend our democracy.

Democratic Rep. Sean Casten

A statement from Sean: pic.twitter.com/2H3sYeOUyN

— Team Sean Casten (@VoteCasten) July 21, 2024

Democratic Rep. Delia Ramirez

We must defeat Donald Trump. VP @KamalaHarris is the proven, qualified leader ready to move our country forward. She has my endorsement. I look forward to working with her to realize a permanent ceasefire, immigration reform, and a bold agenda that centers working families.

We must unite to defeat Project 2025 and Donald Trump’s extremist and hateful agenda. A second Trump presidency is an existential threat and we must do everything in our power to protect our democratic institutions.

President Biden has led us through some of our darkest times. He is a statesman that has put our country and democracy first. I thank him for having the courage to do so again today.

Democratic Rep. Nikki Budzinski

Joe Biden has been the most productive and consequential president of my lifetime. His leadership has allowed us to deliver historic investments to communities in Central and Southern Illinois that will benefit working people for generations to come.

I thank him for his… https://t.co/dQ068jkecI

— Nikki Budzinski (@NikkiBudzinski) July 21, 2024

Democratic Rep. Jan Schakowsky

“In under four short years, President Biden has presided over one of the most successful and impactful administrations in American history.  

“He has grown our economy from the bottom up and stood behind working Americans like no President before him. I am forever grateful to Joe for his incredible service to our country. It is vital that we continue the progress that President Biden began and Vice President Harris is the woman to get the job done.  

“In the wake of today’s announcement, Democrats must come together and stand absolutely united as a party.

“Every one of us must rededicate ourselves to defeating Donald Trump in November with every ounce of energy we have – knocking on doors, making phone calls, and turning out the vote in battleground states. This November our rights, our values, and our very democracy are at stake.”

Democratic Rep. Jonathan Jackson

I thank President Joe Biden for his leadership in unprecedented times.

President Biden is one of the most accomplished and consequential leaders in American history.

He led the nation through the COVID 19 pandemic.

He rescued our economy that was on the brink of recession.…

— Rep. Jonathan L. Jackson (@rep_jackson) July 21, 2024

Democratic Rep. Danny Davis

It is unfortunate that President Joe Biden has stepped aside. He is a monumental person who has positively changed the lives of so many in a short time. I support Vice President Kamala Harris, she is the standard bearer. pic.twitter.com/jcBstEkatn

— Danny K. Davis (@DannyKDavis7th) July 21, 2024

Republican Rep. Darin LaHood

For the past four years, the American people have faced record-high inflation, a border crisis impacting every community, and the effects of weak leadership on the global stage. It’s been clear that President Biden cannot serve four more years, but serious concerns remain about…

— Darin LaHood (@DarinLaHoodIL) July 21, 2024

Republican Rep. Mary Miller

“Kamala Harris led the Democrats’ cover-up of Joe Biden’s severe cognitive decline. Their donors only forced Biden out once they got ‘caught.’ ‘Border Czar’ Kamala Harris must answer for the deadly invasion of our southern border and her cover-up of Biden’s cognitive decline. The American people deserve to know who is actually running the country right now since the Democrats are finally admitting it is not Joe Biden.”

Republican Rep. Mike Bost

The question is, if the White House staff and congressional Democrats know he’s unfit to run a presidential campaign, then how is he fit to run the country?

— Rep. Mike Bost (@RepBost) July 21, 2024