Democrats thank Biden for ‘noble and history-making’ decision to end reelection bid

Gov. Phil Murphy on Sunday praised Biden's tenure as president as “one of the most successful and impactful” in history. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

New Jersey Democrats reacted to the news that President Joe Biden is dropping his bid for reelection by calling the decision “noble and history-making,” praising Biden’s term as “one of the most successful and impactful” in history, and saluting the president for “putting our country first.”

Biden’s Sunday afternoon announcement comes weeks before Democrats were planning to nominate him in Chicago to take on former President Donald Trump in November’s presidential race.

But party leaders have been nervous since Biden’s performance at a June 27 debate with Trump, one that saw Biden appearing frail and confused. The chorus of Democrats saying they wanted Biden to step aside grew in recent weeks as polls showed Trump defeating Biden in key states.

“I cannot overstate the gravity of the noble and history-making decision that President Biden just made. The feeling that I have right now is one of profound gratitude,” Sen. Cory Booker said in a statement he issued after Biden said he would not seek a second term as president.

Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-11), who earlier this month urged Biden to end his reelection bid, on Sunday said Biden did “what he has been doing for the past 50 years — putting our country first.”

“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,” she said.

Rep. Andy Kim (D-03), who is seeking a U.S. Senate seat in November, said Biden will go down in history as a “leader of great consequence.”

“His decision to lift up a new generation of leadership is extraordinary and one that cements his legacy,” Kim said.

Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-05) also thanked Biden for his “decades of unwavering service, patriotism, and dedication.”

“Now, it’s time to move forward, united in our shared goals to build an even brighter future for our country,” he said.