EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Here are what leaders around the El Paso area and greater Borderland are saying about President Joe Biden’s announcement that he will not be seeking re-election.
Biden sent shock waves through the political landscape with his announcement shortly before noon Mountain Time on Sunday, July 21. He has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take his spot as the Democratic nominee for president and take on Republican Donald Trump, the former president who is seeking another term.
Biden visited El Paso and toured the border wall area in January 2023.
Besides local and Borderland leaders, we are including reaction from select national leaders too.
U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas
“It’s been the privilege of my life to work on behalf of the greatest President of my generation. As one of Joe Biden’s national co-chairs, I was proud to spread the word about the historic investments he championed and ushered into communities like mine, all over the nation. From funding for climate action, infrastructure and bringing jobs back to the US to his work lowering the cost of prescription drugs, historic investment for veterans healthcare, providing relief for mixed status families, fighting for women’s reproductive freedom and so much more — the Biden-Harris record is unmatched.
“His humility has shone through his lifetime of service. Thank you, Mr. President.
“It’s now time to unite and rally behind our Vice President, Kamala Harris. She, too, earned 14 million votes in the primary, will lead the fight for our freedoms against Trump’s Project 2025 and the MAGA movement that seeks to end democracy. Proud to be #TeamHarris.”
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, Republican
“Joe Biden has now endorsed and fully supports his ‘Borders Czar’ Kamala Harris’ to be the Democrat candidate for president. I think I will need to triple the border wall, razor wire barriers and National Guard on the border.”
Former President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hilary Clinton
“President Biden has capped his extraordinary career of service with a Presidency that has lifted America out of unprecedented pandemic, created millions of new jobs, rebuilt a battered economy, strengthened our democracy and restored our standing in the world. By any measure, he has advanced our founders’ charge to build a more perfect union and his own stated goal of restoring the soul of our nation.
“We join millions of Americans in thanking President Biden for all he has accomplished, standing up for America time and time again, with his North Star always being what’s best for the country.
“We’ve lived through many ups and downs, but nothing has made us more worried about our country than the threat posed by a second Trump term. He has promised to be a dictator on day one, and the recent ruling by his servile Supreme Court will only embolden him to further shred the Constitution. Now is time to support Kamala Harris and fight with everything we’ve got to elect her. America’s future depends on it.”
NM state Senate Republican Leader Sen. Greg Baca, R-Belen; Senate Republican Whip Senator Craig Brandt, R-Rio Rancho; and Senate Republican Caucus Chair Mark Moores, R-Albuquerque
“Everyone has known for months that President Biden is unfit for office, but it wasn’t until his polling took a dive that the Democrat elites decided to push him out. For all their talk of ‘threats to democracy,’ they now have no problem undoing the will of their voters in this desperate attempt to keep power.
“Whoever the Democrats choose, they will face a united Republican Party under President Donald Trump. Our future is bright and it is clear that Republicans hold the answers to a stronger, safer, and more prosperous America.”
U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-New Mexico
“President Biden has devoted his life to serving the American people and putting working families first. I know President Biden, and I respect him, his character, and his strong leadership. There is no one like him.
“President Biden accomplished what his predecessor could not — landmark investments in infrastructure and growing the economy, lowering prescription drug costs, and addressing the climate crisis. His legacy will be among the strongest of any American president. I know his decision to step aside was not taken lightly.
“I thank President Biden for his decades of service to the American people and I will fight to ensure that we keep the White House in November.”
U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-New Mexico
“I stand with and support President Biden in every possible way, including his decision today. As one of the most significant Presidents in American history, I am grateful for everything President Biden and the Biden-Harris Administration have done for the United States, the people of New Mexico and the world. From passing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS & Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act to passing the PACT Act helping millions of Veterans — by all accounts, President Biden has been a transformational President
“Donald Trump and JD Vance are the greatest threat our democracy has ever seen. Everything is on the line this November from women’s and LGBTQ rights, to the safety and well being of our communities, to the fight against climate change—and we MUST and we WILL win.”
Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa
“Today, President Joe Biden’s announcement to not seek reelection affirms the Democratic Party’s commitment to the fundamental American idea that no one man nor any one party comes before the interests of our nation and the people of the United States. The President’s decision does not come lightly, and does not discredit the momentous contributions that President Joe Biden delivered over the last four years and through decades of service. The path forward is clear: Democrats, Independents and Republicans alike must unite, mobilize and vote to once again reject Donald Trump, whose extreme defining principles are in opposition to the values of the middle class.”
New Mexico Democratic Party Chair Jessica Velasquez
“President Joe Biden has been one of the most accomplished presidents in US history. What he was able to accomplish in only one term is truly remarkable. President Biden’s willingness to put our country first is truly exemplary.
“After Trump divided the nation, President Biden stepped up and got right to work. From the Inflation Reduction Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Chips and Science Act, restoring the United States’ reputation on the world stage, and so much more, President Biden has cemented a historic legacy.
“The Democratic Party of New Mexico could not be more grateful for everything President Biden has done for our country and Party.”
We will continue to update this story as reaction comes in.
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