(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Following the news that President Joe Biden will not be continuing his 2024 bid for President of the United States, numerous Illinois lawmakers have voiced their opinions.
U.S. IL Rep. Mike Quigley (D)
Illinois Congressman Mike Quigley was one of the first Democratic Congressmen nationwide to call for Biden to drop out of the race.
On Sunday, the congressman joined WBBM to voice his support of the decision.
“Now in a selfless decision, he has made the presidential race a horse race again. One, I think Democrats can win,” Quigley said.
Moving forward, Quigley hopes that the members of his party can work together to get a new nominee.
“I'd like to think that for a little while we think about President Biden and thank him for his service, 50 years of service. And, then, we calmly, rationally, come together on who would be the best nominee to win in November and unify and move forward in a democratic fashion.”
Later in the afternoon, Quigley endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee.
“While the last few weeks have at times been tense in the Democratic Party, we have always been united in our goal of defeating Donald Trump in November. I now look forward to our party uniting behind Vice President Kamala Harris as we do everything we can to get her elected and prevent Trump from winning another term.”
U.S. IL Sen. Dick Durbin (D)
U.S. Illinois Senator Dick Durbin (D) took to the social media platform X to thank Biden for his public service.
IL GOP Party Chair Kathy Salvi (R)
New Illinois Republican Party Chair Kathy Salvi released a statement for the state GOP, emphasizing the disconnect in the Democratic party.
"Today's announcement is the culmination of years of lies from the Biden White House and Democrats shaming anyone who questioned the fitness of President Biden. Democrats are divided, torn apart by their own duplicity trying to pass off President Biden's inability to fulfill his role, while Republicans stand united behind President Trump and an agenda of freedom, prosperity, and safety. Democrats have become the party of self-service while Republicans have become the voice of this nation. We as Illinois Republicans must continue to call attention to JB Pritzker's tax-and-spend, pro-criminal agenda that drives families away [from] this state to protect the rest of the nation."
IL Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D)
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker posted a statement on social media, expressing gratitude to Biden but turning his focus to the upcoming election.
U.S. IL Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D)
U.S. Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth weighed in on Biden's decision. She issued the following statement:
"No one has done more for working Americans than Joe Biden—and so many of us owe him a debt of gratitude for everything he’s done to improve our country.
"Over more than 50 years in public service, he’s built an unparalleled record of accomplishments. From helping write the Violence Against Women Act in the Senate to shepherding the Affordable Care Act into law as Vice President and from helping guide our nation out of a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic to overseeing historic wage and job growth during his Presidency, Joe Biden has always put our country first and worked to change so many aspects of our lives for the better.
"From the bottom of my heart, I thank him for his effective and successful leadership and for, once again, putting our country before himself. This difficult decision ensures that Democrats can focus on the goal that unites each and every one of us: defeating Donald Trump and preventing another four years of his destructive chaos and corruption."
Dem. Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez (D)
Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez praised the president for his decision. She issued the following statement:
“Today, we express our deepest gratitude to President Joe Biden for his unwavering service and dedication to our nation. Under his leadership, President Biden navigated some of the most challenging times in recent history–and without failure, he showed us that he is a man of the people. President Biden’s legacy is defined by his empathy, resilience, and steadfast commitment to the American people.
When President Biden took office, our nation was grappling with a devastating once-in-a-century pandemic. His administration successfully guided us through this unprecedented crisis. And during his presidency, President Biden has worked tirelessly to rebuild the backbone of America–a strong and inclusive middle class. His administration has created over 15.5 million jobs, including 459.7k jobs in Illinois in the last 3.5 years. His efforts to lower prescription drug costs and make health care more accessible have provided relief to millions for Americans. These accomplishments will have a lasting impact on our country and will continue to guide as we move forward.
We face a critical moment in our democracy. The stakes could not be higher, and we must stand firm against the threats posed by a potential Trump-Vance presidency. Donald Trump and J.D. Vance represents a return to policies that favor the wealthy, threaten our health care, and undermine our democratic institutions. We must ensure that their regressive and divisive agenda does not prevail.
The Democratic Party of Illinois is committed to this fight. We will mobilize, organize, and vote to ensure that the Democratic ticket prevails in November. Together, we can finish the job and build a stronger, more equitable nation. Thank you, President Biden, for your service and leadership. The work continues, and we are ready to face the challenges ahead with unity and resolve.”
U.S. IL Rep. Sean Casten (D)
In his statement, U.S. Illinois Congressman Sean Casten applauded Biden for all that he accomplished in his term:
“President Joe Biden is among the most effective presidents in American history. Over the last four years, Congress has worked hand-in-hand with President Biden to pass the largest investment in climate action ever. Together, we passed a robust infrastructure bill to fix roads and bridges across Illinois. We passed the first gun violence prevention bill in decades. We expanded health coverage for veterans, with more than one million of them using the PACT Act to gain access to the care they need. We returned the United States to the pinnacle of global manufacturing through the CHIPS and Science Act."
U.S. IL Rep. Jesús "Chuy" García (D)
Longtime Illinois politician Chuy García chimed in:
“President Biden is putting our country over his political career, and that’s the definition of a true leader. He is one of the most consequential presidents of our time and the policies he has implemented, from getting our country out of the COVID pandemic, to the Inflation Reduction Act, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure law, will have a generational impact beyond his presidency. His efforts will be remembered by a grateful nation.
“Now our party must unite to protect our democracy.”
U.S. IL Rep Jan Schakowsky (D)
Chicago Congresswoman Jan Schakwosky thanked President Biden and stressed party unity:
“In under four short years, President Biden has presided over one of the most successful and impactful administrations in American history.
He has grown our economy from the bottom up and stood behind working Americans like no President before him. I am forever grateful to Joe for his incredible service to our country. It is vital that we continue the progress that President Biden began and Vice President Harris is the woman to get the job done.
In the wake of today’s announcement, Democrats must come together and stand absolutely united as a party.
Every one of us must rededicate ourselves to defeating Donald Trump in November with every ounce of energy we have - knocking on doors, making phone calls, and turning out the vote in battleground states. This November our rights, our values, and our very democracy are at stake."
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (D)
President Biden united the country by defeating Donald Trump in 2020 and Chicago is grateful for his leadership and service.
Today, President Biden cemented his legacy as the rare leader who puts the people above himself.
"It is vital for our entire party to come together and support Vice President Kamala Harris. I am proud to give her my full endorsement.
Vice President Harris is the visionary leader that we need now to defeat the threat of another Trump presidency. She has proven herself as a fearless defender of our democracy. I look forward to doing everything I can to ensure she she becomes our next President."
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