KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — President Joe Biden said Sunday he would not seek reelection, effectively ending his bid in the 2024 presidential election. He endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, and the announcement came days after an attempted assassination of Donald Trump, who secured the Republican nomination in the presidential race.
Biden's announcement came as the latest jolt in an election that both Republican and Democratic leaders said they saw as one of the most consequential in generations, according to the Associated Press. It also sparked comments from lawmakers and leaders from East Tennessee.
Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon said on social media she wanted to thank President Biden. She said since he took office, Knoxville received more than $100 million in federal grants for affordable housing, addressing gun violence and planting trees.
"From our $42.6 million Reconnecting Communities grant, to capping the price of insulin at $35 per month for seniors, President Biden has made a huge positive difference in the lives of everyday people," she said. "It takes courage and humility to step aside and pass the baton to the next generation of leaders. Putting his country first will be Joe Biden’s legacy."
Democratic Representative Gloria Johnson also posted a picture of her standing with Biden and former President Barrack Obama on social media following the announcement.
"For me, it was just a surprise. I was a strong endorser of President Biden and so, it was just a lot of shock for me," she said. "We were so lucky to have President Biden for all of these years. He brought us out of COVID, he improved the economy no matter what my colleagues across the aisle say — it's just a fact. He's rebuilding our roads and bridges, he has cut costs for prescription drugs for senior citizens and he passed the first bill to put protections in place when it comes to gun violence. He also opened the first office of gun violence, and he's been protecting women after the Dobbs decision."
She said she believed Biden "is a patriot" who worked to pass policies meant to benefit middle-class Americans. She also said Biden led multiple conversations with her about strategy and leadership — leaving an impression of someone who spoke and led clearly. She said Biden's performance during his debate against Trump was mostly due to him being tired, causing him to struggle to speak on what she said were otherwise strong policy points.
"I'm going to trust his words and trust what he says, and we'll see from here where we go. But there's one thing for certain — Democrats are united in beating Donald Trump. We have one goal, Donald Trump and JD Vance cause a serious concern and are endangering women in Tennessee," she said. "Democrats are united in the goal of making sure that Project 2025 never becomes a reality and we never have a sexual predator and someone who believes you should stay with an abusive spouse in the presidency and vice presidency."
Johnson also said if Vice President Kamala Harris wins the Democratic nomination, she would "absolutely" endorse her.
The chair of the Tennessee Democratic Party also sent a statement about Biden stepping down from the race.
"Today, as President Joseph R. Biden announces his intention not to seek re-election, I am saddened but I am forever proud of having supported the man who defeated Donald Trump and restored hope in America. President Biden delivered for the American people on election night in 2020 and every day during his term in office. Our nation is better today because President Biden served," the statement partly said. "The next Democratic President will inherit a historic record of accomplishments to build on. Our party must do everything in its power to ensure that we protect President Biden’s legacy while fighting to make the lives of ordinary people better," Hendrell Remus wrote.
State House Minority Leader Karen Camper praised Biden in a statement for his service to his country. She endorsed Harris as the new leader on the presidential ticket.
"President Biden's leadership during these challenging times has been commendable, and his dedication to the principles of democracy and justice has been inspiring. We thank him for his steadfast resolve and the positive changes he has championed.
"In his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for President, we see a continuation of this legacy of leadership and progress. Vice President Harris has demonstrated exceptional service and dedication in her role, and her experience and vision make her an outstanding candidate to lead our nation forward.
"I fully support Vice President Harris in her bid to become the next President of the United States. Her commitment to equality, justice, and the well-being of all Americans reflects the values we hold dear. Together, we will work to ensure a brighter future for our country."
Many Republican lawmakers and leaders called for Biden to resign the presidency. Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn said in a statement, "If Joe is too weak to stay in the race for the presidency, he should resign as our Commander-in-Chief immediately."
Her statement was echoed by Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, who posted on social media and said Biden was "not fit to serve as president."
Republican Senator Bill Hagerty also released a statement, calling the announcement a "crisis." His full statement is below.
"This is an unprecedented and disgraceful crisis of presidential leadership. If President Biden isn’t capable of running for President, he cannot be capable of serving as President.
“He should resign and stop endangering the nation and stop risking the security and well-being of the American people.
“Whether or not Joe Biden is aware, the left-wing puppeteers of the Biden Administration have done serious damage to our nation—from inflation to a collapsed border, diminishing opportunity, and a deteriorating world—and it’s time to clean house, end the dysfunction and destruction, and rebuild America.”
This story will be updated as more lawmakers and leaders speak on Biden's announcement.