WASHINGTON D.C., DC — President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House on Sunday, ending his bid for reelection after a disastrous debate with Donald Trump that raised doubts about the incumbent's fitness for office with the election just four months away. It was a late-season campaign thunderstrike unlike any in American history.
The decision comes after escalating pressure from Biden’s Democratic allies to step aside following the June 27 debate, in which the 81-year-old president trailed off, often gave nonsensical answers and failed to call out the former president’s many falsehoods. Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take on Trump, and encouraged his party to unite behind her.
Biden plans to serve out the remainder of his term in office, which ends at noon ET on Jan. 20, 2025.
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term," Biden wrote in a letter posted to his X account.
Reactions are starting to pour in, including many Iowa and Illinois leaders. News 8 will continue to update this list as more statements are made available.
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois
“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.
“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.”
U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Illinois
"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."
U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen, D-Illinois
"I thank President Joe Biden for his lifetime of incredible public service to our country. Through decades of service, he championed organized labor, civil rights, technology and innovation, and building a strong middle class. In my time in Congress, I have witnessed Central & Northwestern Illinois benefitting from his leadership.
"Every day, I remain committed to the people of Illinois who need me fighting for them in Washington. With a forward vision, I believe our best days are in front of us."
Rock Island County Democrats
From RICO Democrats Chair and Illinois State Sen. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island: “The Rock Island County Democrats thank President Joe Biden for his many years of dedicated service to the American people. Although we continue to believe his record as President has earned him his place as our nominee, we respect his decision to leave the race. His sacrifice, in service of his party and his country, is a stark contrast to the Republican Party, who continue headlong into this election as nothing but a cult of personality, beholden to Donald Trump with his felony convictions and his disastrous Project 2025 blueprint.”
Gov. JB Pritzker, D-Illinois
Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez
“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 represent 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.”
Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart
“I want to start today by thanking President Joe Biden.
“President Joe Biden has served our country and Iowans well by lowering the cost of prescription drugs like insulin and passing the largest infrastructure package this country has ever seen.
“I’m personally sad that President Biden has decided he is unable to continue the work he started by running for a second term, but I recognize that this action means that Joe is telling us that it’s time for us to finish the job.
“When President Biden and Vice President Harris took office, they faced terrible odds with the pandemic still raging and an economic crisis at hand. And since then, they have overcome and accomplished so much.
“Today more people are working than at any point in American history. Manufacturing jobs have been brought back to American shores in order to provide more jobs, lower the cost of goods, and ensure more technologies are being made right here in America. There are even more people who have health insurance than ever before, with more than 16 million people enrolled through the American Care Act.
“I cannot thank President Biden enough for the sacrifices he’s made for our country during his decades long career serving the American people. I know that he will do great things and remain focused on his job between now and November, and for that I’m very grateful.
“In the meantime, I’m confident that Iowa Democrats will unite behind a candidate who will defeat Donald Trump this November and will carry on Joe Biden’s legacy.”
Gov. Kim Reynolds, R-Iowa
U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa
U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa
U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa
State Attorney General Brenna Bird, R-Iowa
State Auditor Rob Sand, D-Iowa
Iowa Senate Democratic Leader Pam Jochum
“I want to thank President Joe Biden for his public service from the New Castle County Council to the state of Delaware to our nation. He has done so much for workers and their families in this country.
"What truly sets the President apart is his heart. Many Iowans, including myself, have heard from Joe personally when tragedy struck our lives. He always made time for people.
"President Biden is a Statesman who has always put our country before himself. I urge all Americans to thank President Biden.
"Now, more than ever, it’s crucial for Democrats to come together in our quest to defeat Donald Trump this November.”
Iowa House Democratic Leader Jennifer Konfrst
"President Biden has always done what’s best for the American people, and his decision today is just the latest example. My thanks to President Biden for his service to our country during an extremely difficult time in our nation’s history. His record creating jobs, cutting health care costs, and helping our economy recover is one of the strongest in modern history. So many Americans are frustrated and tired of politics these days, and it’s reached a fever pitch this summer. I don’t blame people who just want to tune out. The President’s decision today gives an opportunity to turn the page on this chapter of our history and put people over politics again."