Kentucky leaders react to Biden dropping out of presidential race

Kentucky Democrats praised President Joe Biden for his policy efforts after the president announced he was dropping out of the 2024 presidential race, while Republicans pointed to the announcement as a sign of weakness from the opposing party.

Here's what commonwealth leaders said about the Biden announcement:

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear

Beshear, who some believe could be a possible running mate on a Democratic ticket with Kamala Harris, called Biden a "consequential president" who "showed up for Kentucky after devastating tornadoes and historic flooding," and helped the state repair aging infrastructure, namely the Brent Spence Bridge in Cincinnati and northern Kentucky.

"While his decision today could not have been easy, it is in the best interest of our country, and our party," Beshear said. "I want to thank him for his leadership, kindness and for a successful presidency that got big, important things done. "

In the statement, Beshear also called on Americans to unite.

"We need to dial down the anger, rancor and noise," he said. "We have an opportunity to remember that we are taught to treat our neighbor as yourself—and that we are all each other’s neighbor."

U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell

In a statement from his office, McConnell criticized Democrats, stating they "have not proven themselves any more capable than the President of delivering the secure borders, safe streets and stable prices that working families deserve."

“For four years, the American people have faced historic inflation at home, chaos at the border and weak leadership on the world stage," McConnell said in the statement. "Our nation is less prosperous and less secure than it was in January, 2021. We cannot afford four more years of failure."

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U.S. Sen. Rand Paul

"The inevitable is now a reality — Biden dropping out — will chaos consume the Democrats party?"

U.S. Rep. Morgan McGarvey

McGarvey, a Democrat who represents much of Louisville in Congress, said in a statement he supported Biden's decision to drop out of the race.

“President Biden knows the stakes of this election are simply too high and that the very fabric of our democracy is at risk," said McGarvey, who previously called on Biden to end his reelection bid. "Through his actions today, President Biden has cemented his legacy as one of the most honorable, selfless and effective presidents in history."

In his statement, McGarvey also endorsed Harris for president.

"Vice President Harris has been fighting for a stronger, safer and more inclusive America since day one," he said.

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg

"Thank you President Biden for your historic and impactful leadership. You have made our city & country stronger and are showing, once again, selfless public service with your decision. Your legacy for America and our democracy will live on for generations."

Kentucky Democratic Party

Party Chair Colmon Elridge praised Biden for, among other things, providing federal aid during historic flooding in eastern Kentucky and making efforts to lower prescription drug costs.

"For more than five decades, Joe Biden has put the needs of our country first," Elridge said in a statement. "His presidency forever changed the trajectory of this nation and left an indelible mark on generations to come, helping families far and wide better realize the American Dream."

Republican Party of Kentucky

Kentucky Republican Party officials stated while they are "disappointed" Donald Trump will not get to face Biden in a rematch of the 2020 presidential election, "it doesn't matter if the eventual nominee is Kamala Harris or any other Democrat in the country."

"The energy and momentum behind President Trump and Senator Vance is strong. Republicans, both in Kentucky and nationally, are united behind the America First movement and look forward to winning big in November," the party said in a statement on X.

Kentucky House Democrats

In a joint statement, Kentucky House Democratic Caucus leaders Derrick Graham, Cherlynn Stevenson and Rachel Roberts said Biden's one term as president "will have a positive and lasting impact for generations."

"We commend him for his dedication to always put our country first, a selfless value that undoubtedly drove today’s decision," the joint statement read. "His administration has overseen strong economic growth, a return of respect on the world stage, and a commitment to building an America that seeks to unite rather than divide. Our presidential nominee may change, but furthering those goals never will."

John Yarmuth, former Louisville congressman

"Joe Biden: A selfless American hero."

Jonathan Shell, Kentucky agriculture commissioner

"Biden stopped (well actually his own party did that for us). Now to save Kentucky. On to November! #MAGA"

Louisville Democratic Party

Louisville Democratic Party Chair Logan Gatti praised Biden for his efforts to improve American infrastructure, as well as his support of labor unions.

"I look forward to supporting the next Democratic nominee for president, as well as our Democratic candidates for U.S. Congress, the Kentucky General Assembly and Louisville Metro Council," Gatti said in a statement.

Christy Brown, Democratic Party donor

Christy Brown, heiress to the Brown-Forman Corp. fortune, said she was proud of Biden for making the decision to withdraw, adding that he was an "extraordinarily fine president".

Brown said she was "thrilled" about the prospect of Beshear as a nominee for vice president, though she wanted to "see all of the candidates." She also said she would be in favor of a revised primary system for the Democratic Party race.

"It's obviously a huge compliment to Beshear and a huge compliment to Kentucky," Brown said.

Dustin Reinstedler, Kentucky AFL-CIO president

Reindstedler, who leads the Kentucky branch of the nation's largest federation of labor unions, said the organization is "eternally grateful" for Biden's contributions to labor unions in the state.

I respect the President so much that I would support whomever he endorses," Reindstedler said. "I am optimistic that President Biden, the party, and the people will unify to make America greater than ever."

Scott Jennings, former advisor to George W. Bush, McConnell

Jennings, a Kentucky native and CNN political commentator, told the network he was shocked by the news of Biden's withdrawal. He also believes Republicans already have a game plan for how to compete against Harris.

"Republicans are going to paint Kamala Harris as Joe Biden," he said, adding that opponents will point to inflation and the "immigration crisis" as reasons why Americans should not support her as president.

Mike Ward, former congressman

Ward, a Louisville Democrat, said Biden's withdrawal from the election "must have been the hardest decision of his life."

"I'm proud of him being a class act from start to finish," he said.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Biden drops out: Kentucky leaders react to announcement