Tennessee Democrats express shock over Biden's withdrawal, thank him for service to U.S.

President Joe Biden on Sunday dropped out of the U.S. presidential race, announcing he would no longer seek reelection amid intraparty pressure to step down over increasing Democratic concerns regarding his election chances against former President Donald Trump.

The move upends the presidential race and thrusts Democrats, including in Tennessee, into uncharted territory.

Biden released the announcement from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, where he's self-isolated since testing positive for COVID-19 Thursday night.

"It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President," Biden said in a written statement. "And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and my country for me to stand down and to focus solely on my duties as President for the rest of my term."

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

Tennessee Democrats expressed shock at Biden's decision and gratitude for the president's years of service, while some Republicans called for Biden to resign immediately in light of his decision.

State Senate Minority Leader Raumesh Akbari, D-Memphis, had been a longtime supporter of Biden, and fervently stood by his candidacy to the end. After his announcement, Akbari expressed her gratitude to the president, and her support for Harris moving forward, calling on democrats to unite as a party.

"Well, I’m completely shocked and disappointed," Akbari shared on social media Sunday afternoon. "In the last three years, the #Biden administration has accomplished so much. Was looking forward to another 4 years. I do hope the party unites behind @KamalaHarris. I don’t know that any other choice moves us forward."

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Tennessee Democratic Party Chair Hendrell Remus said he is "saddened but forever proud of having supported the man who defeated Donald Trump and restored hope in America."

"President Biden delivered for the American people on election night in 2020 and every day during his term in office. Our nation is better today because President Biden served," Remus said in a statement. "The next Democratic President will inherit a historic record of accomplishments to build on. Our party must do everything in its power to ensure that we protect President Biden’s legacy while fighting to make the lives of ordinary people better."

Remus called for the party to unite in the effort to defeat Trump.

"At this critical moment with so much on the line, we must unite as a party and deliver for the American people," he said. "The path ahead is clear. We have one objective and that is to make sure that Donald Trump does not return to the White House."

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Memphis, said the president "has done the right thing for the country and the world."

"His presidency will be seen as the most impactful since Lyndon Johnson. Infrastructure, the environment, healthcare and historic minority appointments as well as restoring international ties that strengthen democracy," Cohen said in a text message to The Tennessean. "He has been very good for Memphis with the $393 million for the new bridge across the river as well as other infrastructure investments, and judicial appointments of the finest caliber."

Cohen is the lone Democrat in Tennessee's congressional delegation.

Sen. Jeff Yarbro, D-Nashville, called the move an act of "selflessness."

"Thank you @JoeBiden," he wrote in a social media post. "Thank you for your lifetime of service. Thank you for a presidency that has and will continue making life better for so many. And thank you for your selflessness, for your fundamental decency, and for always putting the country first."

Rep. Gloria Johnson, D-Knoxville, who is running for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Tennessee, simply shared a photograph with Biden.

Tennessee Rep. Bo Mitchell, D-Nashville, added his thanks.

"Thank you President Biden!!! The Infrastructure Act will continue for years to come to have Republicans show up at groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings for something they didn’t vote for," Mitchell wrote in a social media post.

Biden backs Harris, as do some Tennessee Democrats

Biden on Sunday endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination.

"Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump," Biden said in a social media statement. "Let’s do this."

Already, at least one prominent Tennessee Democrat is on board. "Somebody put me on Vice President @KamalaHarris campaign team!!!" state Sen. London Lamar, D-Memphis, posted on social media.

Cohen added: "She has the prosecutorial chops to make mincemeat of the mendacious malefactor Trump."

State House Minority Leader Karen Camper, D-Memphis, thanked Biden for his "unwavering service to our country," and announced her full support for Harris as the Democratic nominee.

"President Biden's leadership during these challenging times has been commendable, and his dedication to the principles of democracy and justice has been inspiring," Camper said. "In his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for President, we see a continuation of this legacy of leadership and progress. Vice President Harris has demonstrated exceptional service and dedication in her role, and her experience and vision make her an outstanding candidate to lead our nation forward."

Tennessee Republicans urge Biden to resign presidency

Meanwhile, some Republicans, including U.S. Sens. Marsha Blackburn, and Bill Hagerty, R-Tennessee, are calling for Biden to resign the presidency altogether.

"If Joe Biden is too weak to stay in the race for the presidency, he should RESIGN as our Commander-in-Chief immediately," Blackburn wrote in a social media post on Sunday, which was shared by several state lawmakers.

Hagerty agreed.

"@JoeBiden is unfit in four months, he’s unfit now," Hagerty said. "Resign and stop endangering the nation. The American people have been lied to time and again, and now, we have a President who just admitted to being unfit for the job."

Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, who is a Trump ally and widely expected to run for governor in 2026, and U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, also called for Biden's immediate resignation in light of the decision.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Joe Biden withdraws from presidential race: Tennessee Democrats react