SEATTLE — Washington state lawmakers are reacting after President Joe Biden announced Sunday he would not seek reelection.
The decision comes after escalating pressure from Biden’s Democratic allies to step aside following the June 27 debate. Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take on Trump and encouraged his party to unite behind her.
Gov. Jay Inslee said:
"As he’s done for five decades, Joe Biden put his country first. In the long scope of history, his work to protect us from the ravages of climate change will be seen as an historic achievement. Biden is going out on top with a long record of accomplishments we can all be proud of."
Sen. Patty Murray said:
“America owes a deep debt of gratitude to Joe Biden for his historic leadership—a true patriot who loves this country. In 2020, he saved American democracy by beating Donald Trump, and he has led one of the most successful Presidential administrations in history: building our economy back up after a devasting pandemic, delivering on historic legislative triumphs, uniting the world against dictators like Putin, and restoring decency and integrity to the White House. I am so proud to call Joe my President, and I have such a profound respect for his willingness to pass the torch.
“We must beat Donald Trump—and I know Kamala Harris can win. I am behind Vice President Harris one-hundred percent—she is exactly the woman we need to prosecute the case against Donald Trump, save American democracy, lead the fight to restore abortion rights, and build an economy that puts working people—not billionaires—first. I will do everything I can to help elect Kamala Harris as our next President.”
Sen. Maria Cantwell said:
"The Democratic Party needs a standard bearer who can deliver our economic message -- continuing the historic accomplishment of building more economic opportunities for working class people and a focus on lowering costs."
“President Biden led our nation to accomplish these historic victories. Just like our party's victories on Social Security, Medicare, and family leave, Biden's policies on infrastructure, manufacturing, and lowering drug costs will be tremendous legacies.”
Rep. Pramila Jayapal said:
“President Joe Biden has been the most progressive and effective President on domestic and economic policy in my lifetime. It has been an incredible honor to work alongside him to pass truly historic legislation that has lifted up working and poor people across the country and fundamentally changed the nature of government so that it works for people not for the wealthiest billionaires and largest corporations. President Biden has never forgotten where he came from or what it means for people to know that he has their backs. His leadership has been unparalleled, with the results crystal clear with the record of achievements."
“I know President Biden’s decision to step aside this election comes after careful and deliberative consideration of the best path forward to win the House, Senate, and White House, and protect our democracy –– which has always remained his top priority. I respect his decision and I applaud his full-throated endorsement of Vice President Harris to be our Democratic nominee who will continue President Biden’s legacy, defeat Donald Trump, win the House and the Senate and defend our rights and freedoms.
Rep. Kim Schrier said:
“President Biden’s decision to not seek reelection is another example of his selflessness and commitment to our country. He showed that heart of service over decades in the Senate, as our Vice President, and most of all, by rescuing our nation from four more years of a corrupt and reckless Trump administration. Now, by passing the torch to a new generation of leaders, President Biden sets an inspiring example of putting country above self. We will forever be grateful for his commitment to our country and his decades of service. I have no doubt in my mind that he will go down as one of the most consequential presidents in our nation's history."
Rep. Adam Smith said:
"I believe Joe Biden made the right decision. I applaud President Joe Biden for making this difficult choice. I think it is the best path forward for our country. I thank him for the great job he has done as President and for his 50+ years as a dedicated public servant."
Attorney General and Gubernatorial candidate Bob Ferguson said:
"The Biden-Harris administration has accomplished so much for America. President Biden preserved and protected our democracy at a critical moment in our nation’s history and restored civility to the White House. I know Vice-President Kamala Harris. She was Attorney General of California when I was first elected Washington’s Attorney General. Kamala Harris is smart, hardworking, and tough. She’ll never back down to powerful interests — and she genuinely cares about people. She is a prosecutor who has put away criminals. She’s exactly the fighter we need to take on a convicted felon in November and win. The stakes for our country in November are extraordinarily high. Democracy and reproductive freedom are on the ballot. We have a lot of work to do, but I am confident we will prevail in November because a majority of Washingtonians and Americans of all political stripes are ready to cast their ballots — in record numbers — to defend our democracy and protect our freedoms. Let’s go."
Attorney General candidate Nick Brown said:
"I want to express my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to President Joe Biden, both for his more than 50 years of public service and for his selfless decision today to step aside from pursuing another term in office. He's been a tremendous president. His long list of major accomplishments, achieved in a time of deep polarization and rancor, is extraordinary. I have no doubt his four years leading our country will be remembered as one of the most consequential presidential terms in our nation's history."
"I also think his decision today was the right one. We must defeat Donald Trump this November. This decision will ensure that Democrats will be united behind our nominee and energized for the election battle as we move forward. Thank you again, President Biden, for putting the needs of the country ahead of your own personal ambition."
This is a developing story.
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS CONTRIBUTED TO THIS REPORTING
