Local lawmakers weigh in on Biden leaving the race, what comes next

GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA) — Since President Biden’s statement that he will be withdrawing from the 2024 election, many Democrats have been applauding him for his time as president.

“President Biden has been one of the best presidents to go down in history,” said Karl Allen, South Carolina Senate District 7.

For Biden, leaving the campaign trail comes after weeks of pressure from allies. Now, many are rallying behind Vice President Kamala Harris, with a few weeks until the Democratic national convention in Chicago.

However, while Vice President Kamala Harris was endorsed by President Biden and several Democratic leaders, it does not necessarily mean she will be the Democratic nominee.

“The Biden Harris administration has done a lot for America and I think we’ll see a continuation of that going forward with Kamala Harris,” said Senator Allen. “She has demonstrated that she’ll be able to carry the banner that the Biden Harris administration has created and that will be good for America.”

Some Republican leaders in South Carolina are calling on Biden to resign immediately.

“If he’s incapable of handling the rigors of re-election, then he’s not capable of handling the rigors of being president,” said Representative Ralph Norman. “He needs to explain why he isn’t resigning immediately.”

But in a statement, Republican senator Lindsey Graham wished President Biden well.

“I understand and respect President Biden’s decision not to seek reelection. While we have political differences, I appreciate his lifelong service to our nation, which he dearly loves. I have known President Biden for over 25 years, traveling the world together pursuing America’s interests as we saw it. He has devoted his entire life to public service for the people of Delaware and the United States, and I wish him and his family well as this chapter in his life comes to an end.”

If Vice President Harris does become her party’s nominee, some are speculating about a potential running mate.

“I’m looking forward to seeing if it’s Roy Cooper, Gavin Newsom, Shapiro in Pennsylvania, the names we are hearing, I want the best person that will unite America, sort of like the Obama days, where motivation and participation was high in terms of the minds of everyone,” said Senator Allen.

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