President Biden's announcement yesterday of his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential election sparked a wave of reactions across the political spectrum in Texas.

Why it matters: The 11th-hour change introduces a seismic and historic shift in the 2024 presidential race less than a month before the Democratic National Convention, set to start Aug. 19.

Driving the news: Minutes after announcing he was stepping aside as the party's nominee, Biden said in a separate tweet that Vice President Kamala Harris has his "full support and endorsement" to be the Democratic presidential nominee.

• Biden, who had faced intense pressure to withdraw from the race following his shaky debate performance on June 27, said he will speak to the nation "later this week in more detail" about his decision.

Zoom in: Texas Democrats released a statement yesterday saying Biden's decision emphasizes the party's commitment to prioritizing national interest over individual ambitions.

• "The path forward is clear: Democrats, Independents and Republicans alike must unite, mobilize and vote to once again reject Donald Trump, whose extreme defining principles are in opposition to the values of the middle class," the statement said.

What they're saying: Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Austin, who was the first Democrat in Congress to publicly call for Biden's withdrawal, released a statement yesterday applauding the decision.

• He also said that while "Vice President Harris is clearly the leading candidate, we should be open to all talented individuals, who wish to be considered."
• Rep. Ron Reynolds (D-Missouri City), who called for replacing Biden after the presidential debate, said on Instagram yesterday that he is "excited to help elect Vice President Kamala Harris as President."

The other side: Gov. Greg Abbott joined other Republican leaders in calling for Biden to step down from the presidency immediately.

• "If Biden is unfit to run FOR the presidency, he is unfit to run THE presidency," he posted on X.
• He also reacted to Biden's endorsement of Harris, saying he thinks he "will need to triple the border wall, razor wire barriers and National Guard on the border."

What's next: Democrats will likely choose their replacement nominee at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next month.

More reactions

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U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), one of the longest-serving members of Congress, has died, her family announced Friday evening. She leaves behind a legacy of advocating for racial equality, women's rights and her city.

• She was 74 and had announced in June that she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer while running for her 16th term.

"A fierce champion of the people, she was affectionately and simply known as 'Congresswoman' by her constituents in recognition of her near-ubiquitous presence and service to their daily lives for more than 30 years," her family wrote in a statement Friday.

The big picture: She was known for her advocacy for women and Black people and for her work leading the effort to make Juneteenth a national holiday.

• She had represented the 18th Congressional District, including parts of Houston, since 1995. She was known for her relentless work ethic, her speeches, and for consistently showing up.

President Biden said Saturday that Jackson Lee "spoke truth to power and represented the power of the people," noting her efforts to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act and reintroduce the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.

What they're saying: Former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner paid tribute, saying "her uncanny ability to be everywhere, working every day for those who needed a champion, made her truly exceptional."

• "We will remember her barrier-breaking career, her smarts, her passion, and her ability to weather storm after storm as a strong woman in politics," said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo.

Between the lines: Jackson Lee was up for re-election in November.

• Under state law, the Harris County Democratic Party's executive committee has until Aug. 26 to nominate a candidate to run against Lana Centonze, the Republican candidate, in the general election on Nov. 5.

What's next: Funeral arrangements for the congresswoman are pending.

Go deeper

Air travelers leaving the Houston, Atlanta and Detroit areas had the roughest go of it after a global meltdown caused by an error at Texas-based CrowdStrike rocked airline systems around the world.

By the numbers: Nearly 71% of flights departing Houston were delayed or canceled Friday afternoon, per FlightAware.

• It was nearly 78% of flights leaving Atlanta, and about 67% of those leaving Detroit.

The big picture: This IT havoc followed Beryl delays earlier this month at Houston's airports, which were on pace to experience a record-shattering number of passengers in July.

📄 Houstonians have filed three Beryl-related lawsuits, including a pair of class-action petitions seeking more than $100 million apiece from CenterPoint Energy over prolonged power outages. (Houston Public Media)

🐄 A cow was recorded running away on the Hardy Toll Road in north Harris County on Saturday evening. (KHOU)

🌱 Learn how to propagate houseplants and take home some cuttings at Pish Posh Plants & Gifts' Propagation Buffet at Holler Brewing this evening.

• Tickets are $40. 6-9pm.

🧘 Practice yoga and listen to sound bowls at Discovery Green tomorrow.

• Free. 6:30pm.

🌭 Eat hot dogs to celebrate Parks and Recreation Month with West University Place at Judson Park on Wednesday.

• Grilling starts at 5:30pm. Hot dogs are complimentary while supplies last.

🎵 Listen to Karina Nistal and The Cosmic Cats at Stomping Grounds on Thursday.

• Free. 8pm.

👑 Watch a "quote-a-long" screening of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" benefiting the Friends of River Oaks Theatre at Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston on Friday.

• Tickets are $17. Doors open at 7pm.