Georgia politicians react to Biden's 2024 exit
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President Biden takes pictures with supporters at a Biden-Harris campaign debate watch party in Atlanta, on June 27. Photo: Mandel NGAN/AFP via Getty Images
President Biden's sudden exit from the 2024 race prompted swift reactions from Georgia's political leaders, including Democrats who remained staunch supporters even as questions about his viability grew.
Why it matters: The Democratic Party of Georgia profusely welcomed Biden's re-election campaign and its presence in the state.
- Chair and Rep. Nikema Williams earlier this month remained loyal to Biden, telling 11Alive that "as long as President Biden is at the top of this ticket, I am standing with my president," but has changed course since Sunday's announcement.
What they're saying: "We thank President Joe Biden for his decades of public service," Williams said in a DPG statement. "President Biden said Georgia made him president, and he's right. There is more work to be done. Our eyes are on the prize."
- "We stand firmly behind Vice President Harris to make it happen," said Williams's statement.
The other side: "President Biden has accepted what Americans — and our allies and enemies — have known for some time: that he is no longer capable of doing the job," said Georgia's Republican House members in a statement on X.
- "No matter who the Democrats nominate, Georgia conservatives will continue to lead and win up and down the ballot come November."
- Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene wrote that Biden is "avoiding coronating Kamala by not resigning from office."
- Rep. Mike Collins said on X that Biden was "kneecapped," the "Border Czar is now the Democrats leading candidate," and that Biden's campaign ended at Atlanta's presidential debate.
The intrigue: Gabriel Sterling, the Georgia Secretary of State's chief operating officer, said on X that Georgians could have up to seven presidential choices if the candidates verify their petitions.
- He also said Biden dropping out will not impact Georgia ballots because the Democrats haven't had their convention yet.
Several Georgia Democrats, meanwhile, lauded Biden's historic "half century of public service" and endorsed Harris as their presidential nominee.
- U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock said he's been proud to work alongside Harris.
- U.S Sen. Jon Ossoff called Harris "the right candidate to defeat Donald Trump and unite our country."
- Congressman Hank Johnson pledged his vote to "Harris to finish the job that Biden and Harris started."
- Congressman Sanford Bishop said Harris is "imminently qualified to be president."
- Congresswoman Lucy McBath lauded Harris's "leadership, vision, and commitment" and "unequivocally" endorsed Harris.
- Savannah Mayor Van Johnson said he eagerly anticipates supporting Harris and their new vice presidential candidate next month in Chicago.
- Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens posted a photo of himself with Harris with the caption "Let's go!"
- Georgia Senate Minority Leader Gloria Butler wrote Harris has been an "excellent vice president," and that "she will be an excellent president."
- State Senator Nabilah Islam said she told her son that "we are going to have our first half Jamaican, half South Asian President just like him."
- State Representative Phil Olaleye said the nation will "make history" by electing Harris as president.
- State Representative Shea Roberts called it "Herstory in the making."
- Former State Senator Jason Carter wrote that Harris "is ready and our nation is ready."
- Chatham County Commissioner Aaron Whitely said in a statement that Democrats and the nation must unite to support Harris to "continue the work of creating a brighter, more equitable future for all Americans."
- State Representative Anne Allen Westbrook also wrote that she looks forward to continuing the Biden-Harris administration's work under Harris's leadership.
- Democratic members of Georgia's Asian American Pacific Islander Caucus called Harris their "friend" and "sister" when endorsing her.
- Stacey Abrams, the two-time former Georgia gubernatorial candidate called Harris "a tenacious fighter, a champion for our rights & defender of our democracy."
- State Senator Josh McLaurin declared his side with "Team Kamala," and State Representative Saira Draper referred to Harris as "Madame President."
The bottom line: Several notable Georgia Democrats hate to see Biden go.
- Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, also a former White House official and one-time vice presidential hopeful, said Biden's decision filled her heart with a "profound sense of sadness and admiration for the man who has served our nation with unwavering dedication and grace."