PORTLAND, Maine — President Joe Biden ended his 2024 re-election bid Sunday amid escalating pressure for him to step aside after the June 27 debate with former President Donald Trump.
The decision came after a growing chorus of Biden's Democratic allies expressed concern for the 81-year-old president's fitness for office only four months before the election and after his shaky performance at the debate.
Following Sunday's announcement, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take his spot in the race.
He says he plans to serve out the remainder of his term in office, through Jan. 20, 2025.
"It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term," Biden said in a statement posted to social media.
Harris thanked the president for his endorsement, saying in a written statement she intends to "earn and win" the Democratic presidential nomination. She does not automatically become the nominee.
News of the president dropping out of the 2024 race quickly spread, and many of Maine's lawmakers began to offer their reactions to Biden's decision.
Gov. Janet Mills released a statement saying the president's announcement was a people-first decision, and that she will "do everything [she] can to elect Vice President Kamala Harris" in the fall.
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, shared with NEWS CENTER Maine, "I recognize that this must have been a difficult decision for President Biden, and I appreciate his service to our country."
Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, said the challenging move signifies a broad commitment to democracy and respect.
Democratic Rep. Chellie Pingree for Maine's first congressional district reflected on her time working with the president, and said Biden's decision put the people first, saying in part:
"Once again, President Biden has met the moment and made the careful decision to withdraw from the 2024 race — putting what’s best for the American people and our country first and passing the torch to the next generation of leaders. Our goal remains the same: Ensure Donald Trump does not end up back in the White House. The stakes could not be greater."
Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine, who is up for re-election for his seat in the U.S. House this fall, issued a statement Monday evening. While he acknowledged Biden's decision to step down, he did not specify who he would endorse in the presidential election.
"President Biden's choice to not seek the nomination for a second term as president is the right decision for the good of the country," he said in a statement to NEWS CENTER Maine.
Maine Republican Party Chairman Joel Stetkis released the following statement in response to Biden's announcement:
"Joe Biden has been a terrible president for Maine. Mainers should remember that whoever the Democrats choose to run will have been a supporter of Biden's policies that have crushed the working class in our state. Please go vote in November: it's the only way to avoid having President Kamala Harris continue Biden's destruction of Maine."
Maine Democratic Party Chair Bev Uhlenhake also released a statement following the decision, that read in part:
"We thank the President for his dedication to service on behalf of all Americans and for all he has delivered for the people of Maine. We are excited for this newfound opportunity to showcase the next generation of Democratic leadership. The goal of the Maine Democratic Party remains the same: to defeat Donald Trump and JD Vance and elect Democrats up and down the ballot this November."