Ohio leaders react: Democrats praise Biden while Republicans call for him to resign now

Top Ohio elected officials are reacting to President Joe Biden's decision to end his reelection bid − some Democratic members of Congress are already backing Vice President Kamala Harris, while some Republicans are calling for Biden to resign now.

Biden struggled during the first presidential debate against former President Donald Trump three weeks ago, and reinforced Democrats' worst fears about Biden's age and health. Donors, candidates and colleagues urged Biden to drop out of the race and endorse a more viable contender.

More: Joe Biden drops out of 2024 race amid growing pressure from top Democrats

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said in a statement that he wishes Biden "all the best."

"I have known President Biden since 1995, when I entered the U.S. Senate and served with him on the Senate Judiciary Committee. Fran and I wish President Biden and the first lady all the best as he serves out the remainder of his term and in the years ahead," he said.

Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown, a Democrat facing Republican Bernie Moreno in a key U.S. Senate race in a state that has swung toward the GOP, called for Biden to end his reelection campaign on Friday and thanked him after the announcement Sunday.

"I thank President Biden for his years of committed service to the country we love — as senator, as vice president and as president," he said.

Ohio Democratic Party Chair Liz Walters said she was deeply grateful for Biden's service to Ohioans. "His time in public service has been defined by courage − to push big ideas, to stand up to special interests, and today, to step away from the presidential race."

Donald Trump's running mate JD Vance says Joe Biden should resign

Ohio Sen. JD Vance, who is running with Trump, said Biden should resign now. He made the comments on X before Biden's announcement.

"Joe Biden has been the worst President in my lifetime and Kamala Harris has been right there with him every step of the way," Vance wrote on X Sunday. "Over the last four years she co-signed Biden's open border and green scam policies that drove up the cost of housing and groceries. She owns all of these failures, and she lied for nearly four years about Biden's mental capacity - saddling the nation with a president who can't do the job. President Trump and I are ready to save America, whoever's at the top of the Democrat ticket. Bring it on."

More: To Democrats, it's not just their nominee but democracy on the ballot

Ohio's Democratic members of Congress praise Biden

Cincinnati Rep. Greg Landsman − a Democrat who flipped the Southwest Ohio congressional seat from longtime Republican Rep. Steve Chabot in 2022 − also called for Biden to step down on Friday. He called Biden's decision patriotic on Sunday.

"The president is putting the country and our democracy first, as he has done for decades," he said in a post on X.

U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes, D-Akron, said she was "sure this decision was not easy" for Biden.

"The future prosperity of our country is a serious matter, and right now, more than ever, we need leaders that are looking toward the future and willing to work with anyone to find common ground and deliver meaningful results to our communities," she said.

U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Toledo, said in a statement Biden "has walked fiercely at liberty’s side at home and abroad" during his five decades in office.

"I deeply respect his selfless decision to step aside, and know he will continue to use his talents to look for allies and partnerships in our complicated world to help our region and nation thrive for the generations to come," she said.

Ohio Republicans call on Biden to resign

Ohio Republican Party Chair Alex Triantafilou said the president should resign immediately in a statement on X.

"If Joe Biden is not fit to be president in January, he is not fit to be president today," he said.

U.S. Rep. Mike Turner, R-Dayton, also called on Biden to resign.

"While the Democratic Party wondered if Joe Biden could serve for another four years, I have publicly stated my concerns that he’s not up to the job for the next four days. Our national security demands a full-time president," Turner posted on X. "President Biden’s cabinet must take immediate action and determine if he is capable to govern for the remainder of this year."

Some Ohio members of Congress already backing Vice President Kamala Harris

Biden put his support behind Harris.

Some Ohio members of Congress are already publicly backing Harris.

"I’m proud to endorse Kamala Harris. The choice this November could not be more clear. Let’s unite as a party and get to work, U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown, D-Cleveland, posted on X.

U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Columbus, also endorsed Harris in a post on X.

"President Joe Biden has led our nation with remarkable dedication and vision, leaving an indelible mark on American history. While difficult, his decision to leave the race and endorse Vice President Harris demonstrates his commitment to our country's future,” Beatty said in a statement.

Jessie Balmert and Erin Glynn are political reporters for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Biden drops out: Ohio governor, congressmen react to the decision