FOX40: GAVIN NEWSOM, OTHER CALIFORNIA LEADERS REACT TO BIDEN DROPPING OUT OF PRESIDENTIAL RACE

Political leaders across California are reacting to President Joe Biden’s decision not to run for a second term.

The president announced his support for California-native Vice President Kamala Harris to be his successor.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has been a prominent supporter of Biden on the campaign trail including defending the president following his much-criticized debate performance last month.

President Biden has been an extraordinary, history-making president — a leader who has fought hard for working people and delivered astonishing results for all Americans. He will go down in history as one of the most impactful and selfless presidents.

Gov. Gavin Newsom

Around 4:30 p.m., Newsom officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, saying, “Tough. Fearless. Tenacious. With our democracy at stake and our future on the line, no one is better to prosecute the case against Donald Trump’s dark vision and guide our country in a healthier direction than America’s Vice President.”

Senator Laphonza Butler:

Our nation owes President Biden a debt of gratitude for his service and patriotism, especially in making such a difficult decision. Thanks to his leadership, the American people have witnessed historic investments in education, infrastructure, and so much more. The threat to all that progress remains, and we must now do everything we can to ensure Vice President Harris succeeds. There’s no one better prepared for this challenge.

Sen. Laphonza Butler

Longtime San Francisco Rep. Nancy Pelosi:

President Joe Biden is a patriotic American who has always put our country first. His legacy of vision, values and leadership make him one of the most consequential Presidents in American history.

With love and gratitude to President Biden for always believing in the promise of America and giving people the opportunity to reach their fulfillment.

God blessed America with Joe Biden’s greatness and goodness.

Rep. Nancy Pelosi

Rep. Adam Schiff:

President Joe Biden will leave office with a legacy unlike any other modern president.

Taking the reins in the throes of an unprecedented pandemic, Joe Biden spearheaded our economic recovery and saved the lives of millions. He worked diligently to pass the most effective, progressive legislation in the last half century – all while rebuilding our alliances abroad and our standing around the globe. He has accomplished more in one term than most presidents do in two and he will go down in history as one of the greatest presidents of our time.

Joe Biden has always put the country first and he did so again today, after more than 50 years of tremendous service.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Now it’s time for all of us to unite behind Vice President Harris. I am excited to endorse her campaign for President — she has the judgment, experience, leadership, and tenacity to take on and defeat Donald Trump. I worked with her when she was our Attorney General, Senator, and Vice President, and I can’t wait to work with her as President. There is no better matchup than this superb former prosecutor against this convicted criminal, and she’ll prosecute the case against Trump every single day.

The stakes are high, and we must focus all our energy on electing Kamala Harris and defeating Donald Trump.

Rep. Adam Schiff

California Sen. Toni Atkins:

Honored to have known and worked with @KamalaHarris for years. I was honored to support her in 2020 and I am proud to endorse her again to be the our next President of the United States.

California Sen. Toni Atkins

Sacramento-area Rep. Doris Matsui:

President Joe Biden is an extraordinary American, phenomenal public servant, and honest, compassionate leader. As a Senator, Vice President, and President he has dedicated his life to serving the American people. Each and every day, he has brought an unparalleled level of grit and determination to deliver results. I am tremendously proud of the President and his achievements.

Under President Biden’s leadership, we passed some of the most consequential legislation in American history. His body of work has empowered millions upon millions of Americans, lifting up our most underserved and advancing equity and opportunity for communities across the country. President Biden delivered on his promises to fight the climate crisis, rebuild our country’s infrastructure, invest in American workers, lower health care costs, and create millions of good-paying jobs. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the CHIPS and Science Act are down payments on America’s future, whose monumental investments will be felt for generations to come.

In the midst of the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, after suffering four intensely divisive years, President Biden led us back into the light. At a time of unprecedented uncertainty, he provided a unifying voice and vision. He reminded us that the American story is one of progress, possibilities, and resilience. That nothing is beyond the capacity of the American people. By answering the call to serve, he restored our standing on the world stage and brought dignity back to the White House.

By choosing to step aside as the Democratic nominee he has, again, chosen unity. We all owe President Biden a debt of gratitude. He has put service to his country above all else. We must now double down on our efforts to build on his good work and improve the lives of every American. Thank you, Mr. President.

Rep. Matsui

Sacramento-area Rep. Ami Bera:

“With today’s announcement, President Biden’s legacy is intact.

As an early supporter of President Biden in 2019 and someone who worked hard to get him elected, I can confidently say that he has been a phenomenal and consequential president.

I know the president to be a man of great character who always will put the interests of our great nation first–– and that is exactly what I see him doing today.

The stakes of this election cannot be overstated. It is time for the Democratic Party to rally behind Vice President Kamala Harris and build on President Biden’s historic legacy.

As someone who’s known and served with Vice President Kamala Harris, I wholeheartedly endorse her to be our party’s nominee and look forward to electing the first woman of African and Indian-American descent to the presidency this November.”

Rep. Ami Bera

California’s Senate President pro-Tempore Mike McGuire:

President Biden has led our nation with incredible skill, heart, and determination. His presidency has implemented generational change. Through his leadership, America’s economy is back from the abyss, he’s created a record number of jobs for working families, he’s reinvested in rural America, doubled the stock market, stood strong for reproductive rights and, because of his steady hand, America is back as a beacon of hope for the rest of the world. His leadership has been nothing short of tremendous, especially coming out of a global pandemic. California is deeply grateful for his tireless dedication to this nation we all love to call home.

Senator Mike McGuire

Rep. Katie Porter:

When @KamalaHarris appointed me to be California Monitor during the foreclosure crisis, I saw up close how she took on tough fights to deliver for everyday people. She’s fearless, and she’s ready to lead as president. I wholeheartedly endorse her to be our Democratic nominee.

-Rep. Katie Porter

Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg

True greatness and courage is rare. It occurs only when a visionary leader puts a country, a world and hundreds of millions of people ahead of his or her own rightful feelings of pride and accomplishment. Joe Biden will go down in history as one of our greatest presidents for two reasons. First, he saved the country from Donald Trump in 2020, pulled us out from a devastating pandemic and economic crisis, and ushered in four years of historic achievements. Second, his selfless decision today gives the country an even better chance of securing these accomplishments and helping our nation move forward with strength and pride. Let’s go win.

Mayor Darrell Steinberg

Elizabeth Warren, Alexandria-Ocasio Cortez, and California Attorney General Rob Bonta also chimed in with support for Vice President Harris.

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