South Texas, border leaders react to President Biden’s decision not to run

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – South Texas and border leaders have reacted to the news that President Biden has withdrawn from the 2024 presidential race to focus on fulfilling his duties for the remainder of his current term.

“Under President Joe Biden, we invested billions of dollars in South Texas schools and infrastructure, lowered the cost of prescription drugs and insulin, and triumphed over a global pandemic to improve people’s lives. He clearly restored dignity and respect to the White House,” said U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez of McAllen.

“I am immensely grateful for his decades of service to our country. Democrats must come together to build on our achievements over the last four years and protect all that we hold dear.”

U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar of Laredo said: “I would like to thank President Biden for his leadership. His presidency has seen the passage of key legislation that has boosted our economy, modernized our infrastructure, and offered much-needed support to our veterans. I look forward supporting the next Democratic nominee for President.”

U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro of San Antonio said:  “Nearly four years ago, American voters swept Joe Biden into office with faith in his vision for our nation. Since his first day in office, he has delivered. The Biden-Harris administration rescued our country from the worst pandemic in a century, launched a renaissance in American manufacturing, and made unprecedented progress to lower drug prices, support America’s veterans, and curb gun violence. At a critical moment, President Biden restored America’s place as the leader of the free world. He will be remembered as one of the most accomplished presidents in our history.

“President Biden’s announcement today is a fulfillment of his promise to be a bridge to our future. This is the decision of a strong leader who believes America’s best days are ahead of us. I am grateful to the President for his decades of service to our country and I look forward to working to elect Kamala Harris as the next president of the United States.”

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Nanette Barragán of California issued the following statement: 

“President Joe Biden is one of the most influential world leaders in American history, and I thank him for his decades of public service to the United States of America. 

“From signing generational job-creating investments, to his recent Executive Action that generated the most significant immigration reforms since the creation of DACA, to his leadership in spearheading our nation’s comeback from a global pandemic, Biden has been a remarkable President. 

“His legacy, which is simply impossible to capture in a statement, serves as an example of true leadership. 

“I am grateful to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for their partnership in the CHC’s mission to empower and uplift Latinos across America. I look forward to continuing our work together.”

U.S. Rep. Veronica De La Cruz of McAllen said: “This scandal epitomizes everything that is wrong with Washington. President Biden’s cognitive decline did not happen overnight. It is obvious that power-hungry D.C. insiders waited until the primary process was over to handpick a replacement in their desperation to stop President Trump. This maneuver raises deeply troubling questions. If President Biden is unfit to stand for an election that is only four months away, how is he fit to remain in office now? Who, exactly, is running the federal government? The American people deserve answers. Whether their new nominee is Kamala Harris or someone else, voters will hold them accountable for this corrupt administration’s failed agenda that has led to record inflation, an unprecedented border crisis, and rising crime. If you are tired of these political games, I invite you to join me in supporting President Trump.”

El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser said: “President Biden has been a friend to El Paso during his presidency. From COVID vaccines when we needed them most, to critical funding as we faced a difficult and challenging humanitarian crisis in order not to put the burden on the backs of El Paso taxpayers, President Biden’s Administration has steadfastly stood with our city, and I will always be grateful to him and his team for their support. This country has faced many crossroads before. The ideals and values we embody are bigger than any one party and will prevail because of the strength of the American people. I wish the President success in the remainder of his term, and our country wisdom as we elect a new leader.”

Cambio Texas said: “President Joe Biden has announced that he will not be running for re-election. We want to extend our deepest gratitude to President Biden for his dedicated service and unwavering commitment to the American people. His leadership has guided us through unprecedented challenges and set the stage for a new tomorrow.”

LUPE Votes, a grassroots political organization in the Rio Grande Valley, said it will host a press conference in response to President Biden announcing that he is dropping from the 2024 re-election campaign. It will take place on Monday, July 22, at the LUPE offices in San Juan, starting at 1:30 pm.

“It was never about Trump or Biden. It’s about our families and our Pueblo,” the group stated.

President Biden wrote this letter to the American people:

“My fellow Americans,

“Over the past three and a half years, we have made great progress as a nation. 

“Today, America has the strongest economy in the world. We’ve made historic investments in rebuilding our nation in lowering prescription drug costs for seniors and then expanding affordable health care to a record number of Americans. We’ve provided critically needed care to a million veterans exposed to toxic substances. Past the first gun safety law in 30 years, appointed the first African American woman to the Supreme Court and pass the most significant climate legislation in the history of the world. America has never been better positioned to lead than we are today. 

“I know none of this could have been done without you, the American people together we overcame a once in a century pandemic and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. We’ve protected and preserved our democracy. And we’ve revitalized and strengthened our alliances around the world. 

“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek re election, I believe it is in the best interests 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. 

“I will speak to the nation later this week in more detail about my decision. 

For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me reelected. I want to thank Vice President Kamala Harris, for being an extraordinary partner in all this work, and let me express my heartfelt appreciation to the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me.

“I believe today what I what I always have, that there is nothing America can’t do. When we do it together. We just have to remember we are the United States of America.”

On social media, Biden later said: “My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.”

Former President Barack Obama said: 

“Joe Biden has been one of America’s most consequential presidents, as well as a dear friend and partner to me. Today, we’ve also been reminded — again — that he’s a patriot of the highest order.

“Sixteen years ago, when I began my search for a vice president, I knew about Joe’s remarkable career in public service. But what I came to admire even more was his character — his deep empathy and hard-earned resilience; his fundamental decency and belief that everyone counts.

“Since taking office, President Biden has displayed that character again and again. He helped end the pandemic, created millions of jobs, lowered the cost of prescription drugs, passed the first major piece of gun safety legislation in 30 years, made the biggest investment to address climate change in history, and fought to ensure the rights of working people to organize for fair wages and benefits. Internationally, he restored America’s standing in the world, revitalized NATO, and mobilized the world to stand up against Russian aggression in Ukraine.

“More than that, President Biden pointed us away from the four years of chaos, falsehood, and division that had characterized Donald Trump’s administration. Through his policies and his example, Joe has reminded us of who we are at our best — a country committed to old-fashioned values like trust and honesty, kindness and hard work; a country that believes in democracy, rule of law, and accountability; a country that insists that everyone, no matter who they are, has a voice and deserves a chance at a better life.

“This outstanding track record gave President Biden every right to run for re-election and finish the job he started. Joe understands better than anyone the stakes in this election — how everything he has fought for throughout his life, and everything that the Democratic Party stands for, will be at risk if we allow Donald Trump back in the White House and give Republicans control of Congress.

“I also know Joe has never backed down from a fight. For him to look at the political landscape and decide that he should pass the torch to a new nominee is surely one of the toughest in his life. But I know he wouldn’t make this decision unless he believed it was right for America. It’s a testament to Joe Biden’s love of country — and a historic example of a genuine public servant once again putting the interests of the American people ahead of his own that future generations of leaders will do well to follow.

“We will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead. But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges. I believe that Joe Biden’s vision of a generous, prosperous, and united America that provides opportunity for everyone will be on full display at the Democratic Convention in August. And I expect that every single one of us are prepared to carry that message of hope and progress forward into November and beyond.

“For now, Michelle and I just want to express our love and gratitude to Joe and Jill for leading us so ably and courageously during these perilous times — and for their commitment to the ideals of freedom and equality that this country was founded on.”

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