Utah officials react to President Biden dropping out of presidential race

SALT LAKE CITY — President Joe Biden officially announced that he will no longer be running for president of the United States of America on Sunday. The resignation sparked reactions throughout Utah not long after the news was announced.

Democratic party reaction

The Utah Democratic Party reacted to the news calling Biden “one of the greatest leaders our country has known.”

President Biden is one of the greatest leaders our country has known. His administration has made historic investments in our economy, defended democracy overseas, and fought for civil rights at home. We are sincerely thankful for everything he’s done for our country. https://t.co/68EciCY7eg

— Utah Democratic Party (@UtahDemocrats) July 21, 2024

UDP Chair Diane Lewis said in a press statement that “it’s critical that Democrats remain united against Donald Trump.”

Utah House Democrats released the following statement: 

“Our caucus has had the distinct privilege of working alongside the Biden-Harris administration on critical issues that deeply impact our nation and the state of Utah. Together, we have taken significant steps to address gun violence, safeguard reproductive rights, champion LGBTQ+ rights, combat climate change, and improve access to child care. We look forward to continuing our work with President Biden as he completes his term as the 46th President of the United States.”

Minority Leader Angela Romero said, throughout Biden’s tenure, “he has shown unwavering integrity and commitment to the American people. His leadership has made a lasting impact on both our nation and the state of Utah. His legacy will continue to inspire us as elected officials.”

Democratic Utah gubernatorial candidate Brian King posted on X that Biden’s decision “is an act of public good over personal interest.” 

I want to thank President Biden for his decades of service to our country. His decision today to step out of this race is an act of public good over personal interest.

I am excited to see our country come together to nominate a candidate and to continue the commonsense, good…

— Brian S. King (@KingForUtah) July 21, 2024

Salt Lake City mayor Erin Mendenhall posted to X that she is “forever grateful” for President Biden’s public service.

I’m forever grateful for President Biden’s lifetime of public service. His decision today must have been one of the hardest of his life. The motive is, truly, from a deep and unshakable love for our country. ❤️ https://t.co/rphqxHaX6o

— Mayor Erin Mendenhall (@slcmayor) July 21, 2024

 

GOP reaction

Gov. Spencer Cox posted a statement on his personal X account: 

Getting old is hard. I’ve watched my own dad’s struggles with Parkinson’s disease and it has been a heavy weight for him and our family. Being in the public spotlight is hard. I can’t imagine how tough it must be as president. I’m sure this was a terribly difficult decision for President Biden and his family. He has always been gracious and kind to me and my family—and all the other governors in the NGA. I don’t need to list all our disagreements today. But I do need to thank him for his dedication and years of service to our country and for making the right decision.

The Utah GOP, headed by Chairman Robert Axson said “Biden has made a series of disastrous decisions in the last four years and we’ll never know how wittingly or unwittingly he made them, but perhaps now he can receive the treatment and rest he needs.” 

UTGOP Chair @RobertAxson issued the following statement about President @JoeBiden dropping out of the @TheDemocrats race. pic.twitter.com/CCBsUPYGNe

— UtahGOP (@UtahGOP) July 21, 2024

 

Sen. Mitt Romney released a statement, saying:

“I’m a classic Republican and he’s a classic Democrat; obviously, President Biden and I usually didn’t see eye-to-eye. I opposed many of his initiatives. But we did find common ground on infrastructure, Ukraine, the Electoral Count Act, adding religious liberty protections to the marriage bill, gun safety measures, and chip manufacturing.

“Others will judge his presidency. However, having worked with him these past few years, I respect President Biden. His decision to withdraw from the race was right and is in the best interest of the country.

“Ann and I send warm personal wishes to the President and First Lady.”

Sen. Mike Lee posted on his personal X account that not stepping down from the presidency as well “feels like cheating.” 

If he were stepping down from both the presidency and his candidacy, he could more credibly argue that he’s doing this because of health and age.

But stepping down from one and not the other feels like cheating. https://t.co/jV960O1ezq

— Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) July 21, 2024

 

Rep. Burgess Owens took to X to say that Biden is unfit to continue serving as President.

If Joe Biden is unfit to run for re-election, he’s unfit to continue serving as President.

The Democratic Party will now engage in a completely undemocratic process to find a new candidate, who Donald J. Trump will beat in a landslide this November. https://t.co/wpxQJWnvdk

— Burgess Owens (@BurgessOwens) July 21, 2024

 

Utah Legislator Sen. Dan McCay, R- Salt Lake, pointed out on X that Utah law doesn’t yet have a process to allow a party to replace a presidential candidate on the ballot. He said he would be in favor of a bill that would allow Utah to do so. 

Utah law does not have a process to allow a party to replace a presidential candidate on the ballot.

I would be in favor of a bill to allow a political party to change their presidential candidate.

— Daniel McCay (@danmccay) July 21, 2024