Biden drops out of presidential race; NM politicians respond

President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House on Sunday, ending his bid for reelection following a disastrous debate with Donald Trump that raised doubts about his fitness for office just four months before the election, according to the Associated Press.

The decision comes after escalating pressure from Biden’s Democratic allies to step aside following the June 27 debate, in which the 81-year-old president trailed off, often gave nonsensical answers and failed to call out the former president’s many falsehoods.

Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the party's nominee for November's election, posting on X (formerly Twitter), "Democrats — it's time to come together and beat Trump. Let's do this."

“On behalf of the American people, I thank Joe Biden for his extraordinary leadership as president of the United States and for his decades of service to our country. His remarkable legacy of accomplishment is unmatched in modern American history, surpassing the legacy of many presidents who have served two terms in office," Harris said in a statement Sunday afternoon. “With this selfless and patriotic act, President Biden is doing what he has done throughout his life of service: putting the American people and our country above everything else.

“I am honored to have the president’s endorsement, and my intention is to earn and win this nomination. Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election. And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead," she continued. "I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party — and unite our nation — to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda. We have 107 days until Election Day. Together, we will fight. And together, we will win.”

Biden plans to serve out the remainder of his term in office, which ends at noon on Jan. 20, 2025.

Some of New Mexico's congressional delegation responded to the announcement in the hours that followed.

U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján said, “President Biden has devoted his life to serving the American people and putting working families first. I know President Biden and I respect him, his character, and his strong leadership. There is no one like him.

“President Biden accomplished what his predecessor could not — landmark investments in infrastructure and growing the economy, lowering prescription drug costs and addressing the climate crisis. His legacy will be among the strongest of any American president. I know his decision to step aside was not taken lightly."

He went on to thank Biden for "his decades of service" to the country and that he would work to ensure the Democratic Party wins the presidential election in November.

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich posted on X:

“History will remember President Joe Biden as one of the most effective, accomplished, and successful leaders America has ever had,” said Heinrich, D-N.M. “With his decision today to put country over self, the President has secured his legacy. I commend him for his selflessness, honor, and integrity.

“From reducing the cost of prescription drugs, expanding health care for veterans, passing historic climate legislation, making once-in-a-generation investments in infrastructure, to securing the most meaningful gun safety measures in three decades, President Biden has left his mark on the greatest nation on earth.”

Rep. Melanie Stansbury posted on X that she stands with and supports Biden "in every possible way, including his decision today."

She said the focus now will be to elect the Democratic ticket in November, calling former President Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance "the greatest threat our democracy has ever seen.

"Everything is on the line this November, from women's and LGBTQ rights to the safety and well-being of our communities to the fight against climate change," she added.

Following the announcement, legislative Republican leadership, including Senate Republican leader Sen. Greg Baca (Belen), Senate Republican Whip Senator Craig Brandt (Rio Rancho) and Senate Republican Caucus Chair Mark Moores (Albuquerque) issued a joint statement: “Everyone has known for months that President Biden is unfit for office, but it wasn’t until his polling took a dive that the Democrat elites decided to push him out. For all their talk of ‘threats to democracy,’ they now have no problem undoing the will of their voters in this desperate attempt to keep power. Whoever the Democrats choose, they will face a united Republican Party under President Donald Trump. Our future is bright, and it is clear that Republicans hold the answers to a stronger, safer and more prosperous America.”

Party leaders in New Mexico also shared their thoughts on Biden's announcement.

"President Biden has served our country well and faithfully. I believe his endorsement of Vice President Harris is in our country’s best interest. Vice President Harris will continue to support reproductive rights, champion working people by continuing to create jobs that pay a living wage, support the rule of law and protect and preserve our democracy," Alexandria Piland, chair of the Democratic Party of Sandoval County, stated.

Jessica Velasquez, Democratic Party of New Mexico, also released a statement, saying, “President Joe Biden has been one of the most accomplished presidents in U.S. history. What he was able to accomplish in only one term is truly remarkable. President Biden’s willingness to put our country first is truly exemplary.

“After Trump divided the nation, President Biden stepped up and got right to work. From the Inflation Reduction Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Chips and Science Act, restoring the United States’ reputation on the world stage, and so much more, President Biden has cemented a historic legacy. The Democratic Party of New Mexico could not be more grateful for everything President Biden has done for our country and party.”

The DPNM also put its support behind Harris.

“As a key part of such an incredibly productive term in the White House, we believe no one is better equipped to succeed President Biden and lead the Democratic ticket than the other half of the Biden-Harris Administration, Vice President Kamala Harris," the organization wrote in a statement Sunday evening.

“From attorney general of California, U.S. senator and vice president, Kamala Harris’ resume speaks volumes to her qualifications. New Mexico Democrats believe our party's best days are ahead of us and are thrilled to do our part to make Kamala Harris the first woman and Asian-American president of the United States.”

The Republican Party of New Mexico shared a different viewpoint in a statement that was sent out in the hours following Biden's announcement.

"Democrats have spent 3 1/2 years claiming Trump will destroy democracy. Now, by forcing Biden out without any legal framework to do so, Democrats have shown they have no respect for democracy and that their criticisms of Trump are simply projection and gaslighting. In a desperate bid to hold onto power, the elites have managed to undermine the votes of 111,049 New Mexicans who supported Joe Biden in this year's primary, only to install a new ticket. New Mexico Democrats have been cheated of their voice and the democratic process," it read.

"Today, Biden's handlers also announced that they endorse Kamala Harris for president. Kamala Harris would be just as ineffective as preesident as she was in her role as the so-called Border Czar. What is clear is Republicans in New Mexico and nationwide are strongly united and enthusiastic about electing President Trump and every Republican up and down the ballot to get our state and country back on a prosperous and secure path."

The Associated Press contributed to this report. This story will be updated as more officials respond to requests for comment.