Utah leadership reacts to Biden’s decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race

SALT LAKE CITY — Among other leaders and organizations, the Utah Democratic Party responded to the president’s announcement by thanking him for his leadership in the Oval Office.

It said further the party would continue to work to defeat Donald Trump in November.

The chair of the Utah Democratic Party Diane Lewis released the following statement:

President Biden is one of the most transformational presidents in the history of our country. From leading our country through the COVID-19 pandemic, to supporting democracy abroad, to defending our reproductive freedoms and civil rights, the Biden-Harris Administration has led America through some of its darkest moments.

President Biden’s historic 1.7 trillion dollar investment in American infrastructure helped create 11 million new jobs added since he took office. From the American Rescue Plan to the CHIPS Act, President Biden’s legislative agenda has promoted a thriving economy.

In Utah, the Biden-Harris Administration invested 3.5 billion dollars in our infrastructure, including 370 million dollars in expanding rural internet access and 158 million dollars in our airports. President Biden has forgiven 710 million dollars of student debt owed by Utahns. He’s invested tens of millions of dollars in pollution cleanup, protections for native ecosystems, and rural energy projects. Utah is stronger because of President Biden, and the Utah Democratic Party and I are so thankful for his leadership.

It is critical that Democrats remain united against Donald Trump, and that we keep his MAGA agenda from undoing all of President Biden’s accomplishments. We remain dedicated to getting Democrats elected across our cities, our state, and our country.

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall responded on X by stating the decision “must have been one of the hardest of his life.”

I’m forever grateful for President Biden’s lifetime of public service. His decision today must have been one of the hardest of his life. The motive is, truly, from a deep and unshakable love for our country. ❤️ https://t.co/rphqxHaX6o

— Mayor Erin Mendenhall (@slcmayor) July 21, 2024

The Utah House Democrats also sent out a statement Sunday regarding President Biden withdrawing from the presidential race. The statement read:

“Our caucus has had the distinct privilege of working alongside the Biden-Harris administration on critical issues that deeply impact our nation and the state of Utah. Together, we have taken significant steps to address gun violence, safeguard reproductive rights, champion LGBTQ+ rights, combat climate change, and improve access to child care. We look forward to continuing our work with President Biden as he completes his term as the 46th President of the United States.

Minority Leader Angela Romero shares, “We extend our gratitude to President Biden for his distinguished service to the United States. Throughout his tenure, he has shown unwavering integrity and commitment to the American people. His leadership has made a lasting impact on both our nation and the state of Utah. His legacy will continue to inspire us as elected officials. Thank you, President Biden, for your service to the United States of America and Utah.”

The chair of the Utah Republican Party Robert Axson issued the following the statement:

The Democrat Party is finally admitting what everyone could see for years, no one more than Kamala Harris.

Along with Jill Biden, Harris was best positioned to see how dire things were. The truth is that the Dems don’t trust Americans to vet candidates.

Now Dem Party bosses will make the choice – how democratic. What a disservice to the process and a clear disregard for the American public.

Biden has made a series of disastrous decisions in the last four years and we’ll never know how wittingly or unwittingly he made them, but perhaps now he can receive the treatment and rest he needs.

Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson also shared her thoughts on Sunday’s announcement by the president.

My statement regarding President Biden’s recent decision to not seek re-election. pic.twitter.com/nGLAg66PhP

— Mayor Jenny Wilson (@SLCoMayor) July 21, 2024

On Sunday evening, Utah Senate Minority Leader Liz Escamilla released a statement. It read:

“As the Minority Leader of the Utah Senate Democrats, I commend President Joe Biden for his unwavering integrity and commendable leadership in making the difficult decision to step down from the nomination, a move that resonates with the American values of resilience and unity. I am proud to have him as our President and deeply appreciate the progress he has made for our nation during his tenure, which has been characterized by significantly challenging times, including a global pandemic and other major conflicts. We also recognize all that he has done for Utah and Utahns, including investments in our state’s infrastructure and rural energy, which have greatly enhanced the overall quality of life in our state. His decision embodies the values of our party and mirrors the strength of our nation—that we prioritize the overall progress of the country over personal gain.

“I will continue to support and work for all Utahns, upholding the principles and values that define us. As Democrats, our caucus is committed to ensuring that the progress we have made as a nation continues under new leadership, and we stand united in our mission to overcome any challenges that lie ahead.”

GOP reaction

On X, Sen. Mike Lee said the president should leave office immediately.

If Joe Biden is unfit to run for re-election, he is unfit to remain president.

He should resign.

— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) July 21, 2024

On Utah evening, Utah Sen. Mitt Romney also released a statement. It stated:

“I’m a classic Republican and he’s a classic Democrat; obviously, President Biden and I usually didn’t see eye-to-eye. I opposed many of his initiatives. But we did find common ground on infrastructure, Ukraine, the Electoral Count Act, adding religious liberty protections to the marriage bill, gun safety measures, and chip manufacturing.

“Others will judge his presidency. However, having worked with him these past few years, I respect President Biden. His decision to withdraw from the race was right and is in the best interest of the country.

“Ann and I send warm personal wishes to the President and First Lady.”

Reaction from Gov. Cox

The president’s decision to withdraw came just days after Cox stated he had swapped his vote and endorsed Donald Trump as his preferred candidate over Biden.

Cox took to X and said the following:

Getting old is hard. I’ve watched my own dad’s struggles with Parkinson’s disease and it has been a heavy weight for him and our family. Being in the public spotlight is hard. I can’t imagine how tough it must be as president. I’m sure this was a terribly difficult decision for President Biden and his family. He has always been gracious and kind to me and my family — and all the other governors in the NGA. I don’t need to list all our disagreements today. But I do need to thank him for his dedication and years of service to our country and for making the right decision.

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This is a breaking news story. It may be updated.