Statements from N.J. leaders after President Biden announces he is suspending his re-election campaign

U.S. Senator Cory Booker

I am grateful that we have a president whose patriotism and love of country drove him to run and win against demagoguery in 2020, and who now, because of that same fierce love and devotion to his fellow Americans, has decided to be the bridge to a new generation of leaders.

U.S. Rep. Andy Kim

10 yrs ago, then Vice President Biden pulled me aside in a hallway outside the Oval Office and said “Andy, remember it’s not that all politics is local, it’s that all politics is personal.” In his lifetime of service, President Biden has given our country everything he had. He worked so hard to improve our nation because it’s personal for him. But he also connected with me and so many others because he cared about us. As a result Biden will go down in history as a leader of consequence and a man who loved his country. His decision to lift up a new generation of leadership is extraordinary and one that cements his legacy. Thank you President Biden. I have full faith in Vice President Harris to lead a new generation of leadership for our country. Her candidacy is historic, not just the opportunity to elect the first woman, the first AAPI President, and a Black woman, but to continue on the incredible progress we’ve started. The time to unify is now. The stakes are high. Let’s move forward together

U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez

President Biden has had one of the most successful presidencies of our lifetime. Under his leadership, we have made historic investments in working families, strengthened our economy, and made tremendous progress in the fight for equality. He has served our country with dignity, shown resilience through heartbreaking personal tragedy, and always put the American people first. I join the people of New Jersey’s 8th District in thanking him for his decades of leadership and commitment to public service. We are a stronger, more vibrant nation because of him. And I know that this progress will continue throughout the remainder of his presidency. In the coming days and months, House Democrats and I will continue to stand united in our mission to put people over politics and create a brighter future for all Americans. You can count on it.

U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman

History will remember President Biden as a towering figure. A lifelong public servant. A historically successful president. And as a selfless leader who put the greater good of this country above himself. President Biden’s decision to step aside is a selfless act of patriotism, putting the need to defend democracy ahead of his own personal ambition. It’s a stunning act of selflessness that is so often lacking in today’s politics. Thank you for everything you have done for our country, President Biden.

U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone

President Biden’s decision to step back from the nomination reflects his selflessness as a leader. His legacy of putting his country first is underscored by more than fifty years of public service. I am grateful for his calm leadership while navigating the most challenging role on the planet, especially after four years of tumult and division sowed by Donald Trump. Now, our party must come together to defeat the authoritarian policies of the Republican nominee and ensure American democracy endures.

U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill

Today, Joe Biden has once again shown us why he will be remembered by history as a selfless and accomplished public servant, a defender of democracy, and a force for good during some of the most difficult times in our nation’s history. This decision was not an easy one for the President, his family, and his dedicated staff but President Biden has done what he has been doing for the past 50 years – putting our country first.

U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross

President Biden put American working families first and built a stronger nation for the next generation. He successfully passed historic investments to lower prescription drug costs, strengthen America’s supply chain, revitalize domestic manufacturing, expand veterans access to health care, and rebuild our crumbling infrastructure. As a union electrician by trade and co-chair of the Labor Caucus in Congress, I can confidently say that President Biden’s Administration has been the most pro-worker Presidential administration in our lifetime. President Biden saved pensions for millions of workers, created 15 million jobs, and became the first sitting President to visit a picket line. President Biden has now made the decision to step aside, once again demonstrating that he is a leader that puts America first. I applaud his decision to pass the torch and encourage all Americans to vote this November. We can never stop fighting to protect and preserve our democracy.

U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer

Thank you, President Biden, for your decades of unwavering service, patriotism, and dedication.Through your leadership, we secured a once-in-a-generation investment to fix our crumbling roads and bridges, expanded access to healthcare for millions of veterans, revolutionized semiconductor production here in America, enacted commonsense gun safety legislation, and more. You have cemented your legacy and undoubtedly made our communities a better place to live, work, and raise a family. Now, it’s time to move forward, united in our shared goals to build an even brighter future for our country.

N.J. Gov. Phil Murphy

Thank you, Mr. President, for over 50 years of service to our grateful nation. Your time in office will be remembered as one of the most successful and impactful presidencies in American history.

State Assembly Speaker Craign Coughlin

I am so grateful to President Biden for his distinguished service to our country. He has dedicated his life to leading with decency and integrity. From strengthening our democracy and our economy to defending fundamental freedoms and growing the middle class, he has remained true to his core principles. He led us out of turbulent times to deliver transformational change for the American people and we are all in his debt. President Biden has been a great leader for our country, and I admire the work that he has done. His patriotism and compassion are an inspiration. I am saddened by President Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 election campaign, but I respect his decision to step aside. This is a challenging time for the Democratic party, but we must look forward with resolve and remain committed to our party’s values. Democrats need to unite behind the new candidate and beat Donald Trump, in order to preserve our cherished democracy. This election will determine the path forward for our country, and there is much at stake. We must ensure that our next leader respects the rights and dignity of every American and works to unite our country. Today, I just want to say thank you to President Biden and wish him and Dr. Biden well. God bless you.

Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University

Should she win the nomination, the nation will watch a multiracial woman compete in a presidential general election for the first time in history. Our research and programming have long been oriented towards changing the perception of power. This transformative moment will forever alter how Americans view leadership in politics.- CAWP Director Debbie Walsh