DENVER — Colorado politicians are reacting to President Joe Biden dropping out of the 2024 election.
Biden announced Sunday he is ending his reelection bid, sparking reaction from the state's top political leaders.
Gov. Jared Polis, Secretary of State Jena Griswold, and all seven Democratic members of Colorado's congressional delegation endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris within hours after Biden's endorsement Sunday.
Gov. Jared Polis (D)
“President Biden is a true partner to Colorado, and a proud patriot. Throughout his decades of service to this country, and especially during his service as Vice President to President Obama and over the last four years as President, he has helped lead the United States through many great successes. President Biden is now, and has always been, there for Coloradans during times of grief and moments of triumph. He has helped Colorado deliver more low-cost clean energy, address climate change, improve our roads and bridges with historic federal funding, and supported Colorado as we fought to preserve our public lands. This could not have been an easy decision but it is the right one, and Joe Biden promised Americans he would always do what’s right for our country and once again he has delivered. I know President Biden and Jill are making this choice with the future of Americans in their hearts. The United States cannot afford another potential four years of a disastrous Trump presidency that would trample on rights and freedoms, derail our economy, increase costs and harm our international standing. Coloradans and I are deeply grateful to President Biden for his incredible leadership and his unrelenting commitment to the country we all love.”
Sen. John Hickenlooper (D)
“For more than 50 years in public service, President Biden has always put the country before any personal concern or ambitions," Sen. John Hickenlooper said in a statement. "It’s just who he is."
“His presidency – and career – will be remembered alongside Roosevelt’s and Johnson’s for its scale, magnitude, and lasting impact on American society."
“More than anything, I’m thankful Joe Biden has given so much to this country over a lifetime of service.”
Sen. Michael Bennet (D)
“America is a better, stronger country because of President Biden’s decades of public service and dedication to the American Dream."
“Four years ago, President Biden was the only person in the country who could beat Donald Trump. He overcame Trump’s chaos and contempt for our nation’s long-held commitment to pluralism, civil rights, and the rule of law. He rejected Ronald Reagan’s failed trickle-down economics, and championed working American families."
“President Biden deserves all honor for his record in office. In one of his first acts, he expanded the Child Tax Credit - the largest investment in children and working families in generations. He passed the most significant infrastructure bill since President Eisenhower to rebuild our roads, bridges, and airports, and brought home America’s semiconductor industry - creating thousands of high-paying jobs. He took on Big Pharma to curb drug prices and won, and passed the most significant climate bill in world history. President Biden not only restored our fractured alliances but made them stronger. He reinvigorated democracy around the world, and made America safer in the process."
“President Biden embodies the decency, integrity, and leadership to which all of us in public service should aspire."
“Today, we owe President Biden a debt of gratitude that we may never be able to repay. We may not know what comes next, but by passing the torch to a new standard bearer, President Biden has again given us the chance to beat Donald Trump and give our children the future they deserve. Thank you, President Biden.”
Rep. Lauren Boebert (R)
"If Biden can’t run for office, he should resign. Immediately," Boebert posted on social media.
"The Democrat primary voters chose Biden and the elites took him out. This whole thing feels insurrection-ey."
"How amazing is it that the President of the United States announced his decision to not accept the nomination on @X."
"This platform is where history is made."
"Congratulations, @elonmusk!"
Rep. Jason Crow (D)
“Joe Biden is one of the most effective and consequential presidents in American history. He has always put our country first. In 2020, President Biden saved us from a second Trump term and by stepping aside he may have done so again."
“As a soldier and now as a Congressman, I have felt an unshakeable duty to protect our democracy, people, and ideals. This moment is no different. Donald Trump is a threat to democracy and would make our country unrecognizable. We must unite and defeat him in November."
“I am confident Americans will rise up and meet this moment."
“Onward to victory.”
Rep. Joe Neguse (D)
"Today, I want to express my deep gratitude to Joe Biden — for his decades of service to our country, and his incredible leadership as one of the most effective Presidents in my lifetime."
Rep. Brittany Pettersen (D)
“Joe Biden embodies what it means to be a true patriot who puts the interest of the country and the American people over himself. He has dedicated 50 years fighting to make the lives of regular people better and has led our country through one of the most tumultuous times to the strongest recovery in the world. Joe Biden is a big reason I am here today as a member of Congress and he continues to make me proud with the issues he has championed and the selflessness he has shown. Thank you Joe Biden for all you have done for our country. We are forever grateful.”
Rep. Diana DeGette (D)
"I’ve been privileged to work with President Biden for 30 years — first as a U.S. Senator, then as Vice President, and now as President. His contributions to this country have been unparalleled."
Rep. Doug Lamborn (R)
"Since Joe Biden took office, Americans have been paying more for just about everything due to inflation. Biden has also failed to stand up to our adversaries in Beijing, Tehran, and Moscow. I have been calling for Biden to retire for years. I am glad he is doing the right thing for once."
Rep. Greg Lopez (R)
"President Biden deserves no applause for finally recognizing his inability to govern - 4 years too late."
"If Biden is incapable of leading his campaign, how can we expect him to lead the most powerful country in the world? If he cannot pass a cognitive test, then he must resign."
Rep. Yadira Caraveo (D)
"President Biden is an honorable man, committed public servant, and effective leader who has served our nation well throughout his five decades in government," Caraveo said in a social media post. "I'm grateful for his determined leadership over the past four years."
Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold (D)
"I have great respect for Joe Biden and his decades of public service fighting for all Americans. He is an inspirational leader who always puts the American people first. His decision to pass the torch is just more evidence of this."