AUSTIN (KXAN/Nexstar) — President Joe Biden’s announcement that he will withdraw from the 2024 presidential race is drawing mixed reactions from elected officials across the country.

Biden declared that he will not seek re-election, saying that dropping out would be the best thing for the Democratic Party. The president said he will focus on finishing his current presidential term. Sunday’s announcement has drawn mixed reactions from political leaders.

The president quickly followed up in his announcement with an official statement of support for his running mate, Vice President Kamala Harris.

Harris said she was “honored” that Biden endorsed her in a statement and praised him for what she called “extraordinary” leadership.

“My intention is to earn and win this nomination,” Harris said. “I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party — and unite our nation — to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda.”

Pressure on the president to withdraw from the race had rapidly increased in less than a month, after what many Democrats described as a “disappointing” performance in the first debate with former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee.

Calls grew for Democrats to unite around a new nominee for November after longtime Congressman Lloyd Doggett of Austin became the first member of the House to publicly ask Biden to withdraw.

How are Texas Democrats responding?

Doggett expressed gratitude for Biden’s decision. In an online statement, Doggett called the announcement “courageous.”

“President Biden is standing up for America again, putting country before ego in a way that Donald Trump never could,” he said. “Today’s courageous action culminates decades of selfless service and opens the door to a Convention that can build on our progress and prevent our country from being taken over by Trump and his gang.”

Doggett also said he believes Vice President Kamala Harris should be the new leading candidate in the race.

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson shared his support for Biden, saying, “I’m proud of President Biden for doing what he thinks is best for America, and I’m ready to get to work for our new Democratic ticket. Let’s go!”

Despite pressure from a growing number of high-ranking Democrats, not everyone in the party wanted Biden to withdraw from the race.

Dallas-area Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett expressed her frustration with the president’s announcement, saying the blame should lie with Democrats and not Biden.

“I know one thing for sure, I will only be working for @KamalaHarris! If it’s anyone else but her, enjoy the campaign season… I hope all my disappointed colleagues can find walking shoes and get to work because I am NOT going!”

Congressman Greg Casar of Austin thanked Biden for his service to the country in posts on his social media accounts.

“He united Democrats to save our democracy from Trump and our economy from COVID. He took on corporations and protected workers like no other president in my lifetime,” Casar said.

Casar also shared his support for Vice President Kamala Harris in a statement, saying:
“I am prepared to elect Vice President Kamala Harris as president.”

Beto O’Rourke, who previously served as U.S. Representative from Texas, said in a statement that Democrats should focus on “defeating Donald Trump” and “unite behind the new Democratic presidential nominee.”

“This is not just about the White House, it is about control of the House of Representatives and the Senate, and many key positions at the state and local level,” O’Rourke continued in his statement.

How are Texas Republicans responding?