State, local officials react to President Biden announcing he will not seek reelection

CENTRAL COAST, Calif. (KION-TV) -- Multiple local and state leaders are reacting to news President Biden will not seek reelection.

Representative Zoe Lofgren, who previously called for Biden to withdraw from the November Presidential race, called Biden a patriot in her initial statement.

"I respect him & am grateful to him," said Lofgren. "I am confident that voters will quickly coalesce to defeat Donald Trump, who is unfit for office."

Monterey County Supervisor Luis Alejo thanked Biden for his "leadership and service to our nation," while also calling this moment "A decision the Democratic Party will regret!"

Governor Gavin Newsom referred to Biden as a history-making president in his remarks.

"He will go down in history as one of the most impactful and selfless presidents," said Newsom.

California Speaker Robert Rivas also pointed to the "selfless leadership" of Biden in a statement released on Sunday.

"We are forever indebted to him for beating @realDonaldTrump, and for laying the foundation to beat him again in 2024," said Rivas.

Congressman Jimmy Panetta praised Biden's decision to step away in a statement to KION.

"Today, President Joe Biden demonstrated, once again, his patriotism by putting the future of the United States over ihs own political career," Panetta said. "I look forward to unifying behind a presidential candidate who is capable and willing to promote and fight for the very same democratic principles that drove President Biden to dedicate his life to making the United States of America a more perfect Union."

Panetta also issued a public statement one day after Biden announced that he will not be seeking reelection, saying:

"I endorse Vice President Kamala Harris in her efforts to earn the Democratic nomination and win the 2024 election for the American Presidency.  We worked together as prosecutors for the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office in the 1990s, so I’ve seen first-hand Vice-President Harris’ amazing abilities to bring energy, seriousness, and strength when presenting evidence and securing convictions from criminal juries.  I look forward to supporting Vice President Harris and her running mate as they present their vision for the future of our nation to not only win over the jury of American voters, but also to unite America."

Former President and Republican candidate Donald Trump issued a statement of his own, using it to boost his efforts to win back the White House.

"Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve - And never was!" said Trump. "We will suffer greatly because of his presidency, but will remedy the damage he has done very quickly."

As for who will replace Biden on the democratic ticket, many are looking to Vice President Kamala Harris to be the candidate in line to face Trump.

But Representative Lofgren points out that the decision is up to the delegates at the Democratic Convention, not elected officials.

"I think Kamala Harris would be a good, capable and exciting nominee, but there will need to be a quick assessment and process to reach that conclusion," said Lofgren.

Santa Cruz County Supervisor Felipe Hernandez tells KION he was hopeful Biden would stay the course and he's now concerned Vice President Harris won't have the support needed to win in November.

"Initially some polls about Kamala were taken before and the numbers didn't look good," said Hernandez, referring to how polls looked when Biden first ran. "[The numbers] can't look any different now."

Santa Cruz County Supervisor Justin Cummings issued a statement about Biden's announcement ahead of urging the public to go out and vote in November.

"It is important that we recognize and appreciate the many years of service President Biden has given to our nation," said Cummings. "As the presidential election process continues to unfold, we will be waiting attentively to see how things unfold for the Democratic Party."

CBS News reports a survey of democratic registered voters from July 16 to July 18 found 56% were also hoping Biden would continue running.

That same survey found, among likely voters, Trump has a 51% to 48% edge over Harris to have their name announced as the next President of the United States.