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On Sunday, July 21, President Joe Biden announced the end of his reelection campaign — a decision made less than four months ahead of the 2024 United States presidential election.

Following his announcement, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place as the Democratic presidential candidate. The Democratic party will name its candidate during the Democratic National Convention in late August. New York politicians publicly responded to the news throughout Sunday, with most reactions adhering to party lines.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul, a fellow Democrat, quickly took to social media to express her support for Biden, referring to him as an “American hero” and a “champion” for American workers in a Sunday afternoon X post.

Hochul posted an additional X statement in the evening, urging her party’s members and constituents to support Harris should she receive the Democratic nomination. She also called for Democrats to “work together” to defeat former President Donald Trump.

“Kamala is a champion of justice who will fight every single day for woman’s right to choose, for middle class families and for the integrity of our democracy,” Hochul wrote. “I am confident she will deliver for New Yorkers and am proud to stand beside her.”

Other New York Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and New York State Senator John Mannion, also applauded Biden’s choice to leave the race.

Shortly after Biden’s announcement, Schumer issued a statement commending his decision and calling him a “true patriot and great American.” Schumer reportedly spoke to Biden Sunday afternoon, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Mannion, who will face incumbent Rep. Brandon Williams in the race for the New York 22nd Congressional District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives this fall, stated his gratitude for the president and his contributions to the central New York community.

“I want to commend President Biden for consistently putting the needs of our country first. This decision is just another example of his lifelong demonstration of leadership, patriotism, and statesmanship,” Mannion posted to X.

Mannion’s X post also highlighted Biden’s history of supporting the central New York region, citing his administration’s investment into the semiconductor industry in the area through federal CHIPS and Science Act funding and the efforts to revitalize communities impacted by Interstate 81.

Williams, the Republican who currently represents NY-22, was critical of Biden’s announcements, writing, “Wow, I didn’t see this coming… just kidding,” in a 2:13 p.m. X post. At 2:57 p.m., he posted to a separate account to “wish (Biden) well.”

“The challenges of (Biden’s) legacy: high prices, migrant crisis, stronger enemies of America, and a weakened standing in the world will be the challenges of the next Congress and next Administration,” Williams wrote in his second post. “I’m ready to turn the page and restore safety and prosperity to American families, workers, and all citizens.”

Rep. Elise Stefanik, the Republican who represents New York’s 21st congressional district, published several X posts criticizing both Biden and Harris. Stefanik is running for reelection this fall.

In her posts, Stefanik also questioned Biden’s ability to complete his current term as president, which will conclude in January now that he is not seeking reelection.

“If Joe Biden can’t run for re-election, he is unable and unfit to serve as President of the United States. He must immediately resign,” she wrote.

With Biden out of the race, Democratic delegates are now free to choose a new candidate and are not obligated to support Harris as his replacement. Other Democratic candidates will be formally nominated at next month’s DNC, which will run from August 19 to 22.

Published on July 21, 2024 at 11:16 pm

Contact Kate: kjacks19@syr.edu