ST PAUL, Minn — On Sunday, President Joe Biden announced on social media that he would not seek reelection in the 2024 election. Across social media and across the state, reactions poured in.
Minnesota's Governor Tim Walz called President Biden a hero.
Senator Amy Klobuchar joined many other members of Minnesota's Congressional delegation in endorsing Kamala Harris. Sen. Klobuchar told CNN, "You're already seeing people come out strongly in favor of her, from moderate Democrats to liberal Democrats. You are seeing people uniting on her candidacy and you also already have infrastructure set up in all of these swing states and across the country."
Minnesota DFL Chair Ken Martin said in part:
"As we thank President Biden for his service and for everything he has done for our country, we must also look ahead to the existential stakes in November. Our party must now rally behind Vice-President Harris and emerge as a united front ready to defeat Donald Trump.”
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison noted that Biden put his country over his personal ambition:
Senator Tina Smith called Biden a patriot and thanked him for his leadership.
"It was a very selfless act that he did today and now we have to come together," Sen. Smith told KARE 11.
Sen. Smith is also endorsing Harris, saying, "She has a wealth of experience. She is a former prosecutor. I believe she could prosecute the case and make the contrast with the former President Trump on issues that Minnesotans care a lot about, like reproductive freedom and the economy, just in a uniquely strong way."
Congresswoman Angie Craig thanked Biden for his decision in a statement:
“The President’s decision today will allow for the next generation of party leadership to step forward and address the unique and pressing challenges facing our country."
Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy released the following statement on Sunday:
"Joe Biden is an extraordinary president. I’m grateful for his investments in our freedom and prosperity. America is strong for his leadership. With a full heart, thank you Mr. President.
Our future rests in our hands, the people of this country. Our fight for our families, communities, our freedom and America’s democracy are the work of this election. I have faith in what we will accomplish when we work together."
Rep. Dean Phillips on CNN said he does not intend to throw his hat in the ring, saying, "I intended to be a version of Paul Revere, not George Washington, and I do not wish to run."
On X, Phillips called Harris "talented, experienced, and well-prepared to beat Donald Trump and serve as our President." He went on to suggest Democrats conduct a straw poll among Democratic delegates of potential candidates. "Invite Kamala Harris and the top three other vote getters to a series of four, televised town halls with audiences of delegates before voting at the convention."
Republican Congressman Tom Emmer, House Majority Whip, said, "If the Democrat party has deemed Joe Biden unfit to run for re-election, he’s certainly unfit to control our nuclear codes. Biden must step down from office immediately."
The Republican Party of Minnesota joined calls for President Biden to resign, saying, "After Democrats, including Governor Tim Walz, spent months lying to the American people that Biden was fit to run for re-election, he has finally dropped out. But why is he still fit to be the President of the US if he's not fit to be a candidate? Biden must resign immediately."
Democrats also responded to Republicans calling on Biden to resign. Rep. Phillips said on CNN, "I believe he can serve out his term. I believe he will and I think those trying to tie these two things together are playing the same nonsensical, disgusting politics that this country is really getting fed up with."