CT, NY reacts to Biden dropping out of 2024 presidential race

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, who was the first Governor to endorse Biden when he announced his run for the 2020 race, said he thinks Harris will win the nomination.

"I was one of the earliest supporters of Joe Biden almost four years ago. Under his leadership, our economy is stronger, our long-neglected infrastructure is being rebuilt, more people are working than ever before, and millions more have access to healthcare — all of which makes an enormous difference here in Connecticut. I just returned from a trade mission to Germany and I was reminded every day how important American leadership is around the world. The president has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, and I believe she will be the front runner when our convention meets next month."

U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-3) endorsed Harris at the end of a lengthy statement on the legacy of Biden.

“President Biden has made a courageous decision for the good of the country. President Biden’s administration is the most successful Democratic administration since that of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. President Biden took office in a time of great uncertainty and oversaw a historic recovery from a global pandemic, leading our country back from the brink of disaster and making government work for the people once more. I was proudest to work with President Biden on expanding the Child Tax Credit, enhancing the credit by increasing its value and making it monthly. We provided the largest middle class tax cut in a generation and unprecedented economic security, lifted millions of children out of poverty, and, together we will make it permanent in 2025.

“From child care, public education, and job training programs to helping people access affordable housing, we invested in the programs that hardworking Americans depend on. President Biden marshalled resources to improve our crumbling infrastructure under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and ensured that the United States would maintain its competitive edge against our adversaries like China by enacting the CHIPS and Science Act, bolstering American manufacturing and creating thousands of jobs. He cancelled student debt for millions of borrowers, championed child care and public education, passed bipartisan gun control reform legislation, and strongly defended workers’ rights to organize. I was proud to help him pass the Inflation Reduction Act which empowered Medicare to negotiate the cost of prescription drugs for seniors, capped insulin prices at no more than $35, and included unprecedented investments to address the existential threat of climate change.

“President Biden is a champion of the middle class. He spent a lifetime fighting for everyday Americans. He leaves a rich legacy that Democrats will defend in this upcoming election.

“I join President Biden in saying we should come together to support Vice President Kamala Harris.”

In a post on X, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president.

The two served together in the Senate.

"I will be enthusiastically supporting my friend, Vice President Harris, to be our Democratic nominee for President. She has the perfect combination of experience, accomplishment, and deep love of country to lead our great nation.

Let's go."

In a lengthy statement, the Connecticut Republican Party expressed distaste for Democrats and called on the state to support Former President Trump in November.

"The Democratic Party is in shambles, and they have no plan to help the average American in Connecticut. We’ve seen the disastrous consequences of their policies over the past four years: record inflation, soaring prices for every day necessities, unprecedented border crossings, and a weakened status on the international stage.

Furthermore, the strong arming to force President Biden to step down underscores a disturbing lack of democratic process within the Democrat Party. Instead of allowing a transparent and open primary process, it appears that the Democrat Party is maneuvering behind the scenes to select a candidate that aligns with the agenda of politicians rather than one that reflects the will of the people. In short, Democrat leaders and the Democrat Party, for the first time in American history, have sought to depose a sitting United States President in attempt to protect their own power and position – all at the expense of America and Americans.

It’s clear after last week’s Republican convention, our country is united in an America first message! Americans want change, they want leaders who reflect their values, their priorities, their hopes and dreams for America. Democrat leaders simply want power.

America is at a crossroads and the Republican ticket of President Donald J. Trump and Senator J.D. Vance are the leaders America needs to put us back on track, protect our country, make life affordable again and to Make America Great Again.

Thanks to Joe Biden for his decades of public service and we wish him happiness and joy in his forced retirement."

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) called Biden one of the most consequential presidents in U.S. history.

“He was the compassionate, courageous leader our country desperately needed during a time of crisis. Over the last four years, he has overseen the passage of immensely impactful laws that will benefit generations of Americans. Joe is a smart, strategic fighter who always – always – looks out for the little guy. I am incredibly grateful for his lifetime of service and his unwavering, steadfast commitment to the future of our nation.”

CT Democratic party leader Nancy DiNardo called on CT Dems to support Vice President Kamala Harris as the nominee.

“President Biden has served our country with distinction for decades. We thank him profoundly for his service and leadership through some of the most difficult years of our lifetimes. We urge every Democrat to follow his lead. Our country is facing a threat like no other from the MAGA ticket. The time is now to unite behind Vice President Harris and defeat Donald Trump. As the President said, let’s do this.”

U.S. Senator Chris Murphy said he thinks Biden will go down as one of the most effective Presidents in U.S. history.

Murphy hosted Biden in Connecticut for the Safer Communities Summit in 2022, an event that celebrated the anniversary of the Bipartisan Safer Communities bill, which strengthened gun control nationwide.

"He led us out of a pandemic and rebuilt our economy, creating more jobs than any first term president. He restored our place on the world stage, heroically leading the global response to Russia's war in Ukraine and strengthening NATO. He helped pass legislation to transform our infrastructure, cut prescription drug prices, lower energy costs, and tackle climate change. And of course, because of Joe Biden, we passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the first gun safety legislation in 30 years," Murphy said.

"Joe Biden has always put his country first. He knows the risk Donald Trump poses to our democracy, mandating that our number one priority must be defeating Trump this fall. I know this decision was agonizing for him, but once again, his love of country shines through. A nation turns its grateful eyes to Joe Biden for his world-changing service and his constant selflessness.”

In a statement, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) thanked the president for the legislation he helped pass while in office.

“President Biden has served our country with courage, compassion, integrity and decency. I am honored to have served in the Senate during his administration, which achieved historic accomplishments related to gun safety, veterans’ health care, infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, climate change, prescription drugs, and more. President Biden has improved the lives of millions of Americans and leaves behind a legacy that will echo for generations. On behalf of myself and every New Yorker: Thank you, Joe.”

U.S. Representitve Anthony D'Esposito (R-NY-04) reacted to the news with renewed calls to elect Republicans.

“President Biden’s record in office: chaos at our border, debilitating inflation, crises overseas. Biden and Democrats have failed the American people on all fronts. No matter the nominee, we must elect Republicans up and down the ballot this November.”

In a post on X, Connecticut Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) thanked Biden for his career in public office.

"Thank you @JoeBiden for over 50 years of service to this nation.

You’ve brought us back from the brink of collapse and we salute you."

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said the decision to drop out showed Biden had put his country first.

"Joe Biden has not only been a great president and a great legislative leader but he's a truly amazing human being. His decision of course was not easy, but he once again put his country, his party, and our future first," Schumer posted on social media.

"Joe, today shows you are a true patriot and great American."