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President Joe Biden was under heavy pressure from fellow Democrats.
President Joe Biden's decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race on Sunday came after heavy pressure from congressional Democrats, including Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and more than 30 House lawmakers.
Biden, 81, had resisted calls to step aside that grew almost daily following his poor performance in his June 27 debate with former President Donald Trump and persistent questions about his age and mental fitness. His decision comes just a few months before the Nov. 5 election.
Biden backed his vice president, Kamala Harris for the top of the ticket -- triggering many others in the party to issue statements backing Harris.
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Donors, delegates relieved Biden dropped out, but split on Harris
Democratic delegates and donors are say they are "relieved" and "thrilled" that President Biden has made the decision to step down, but they are divided on the best path forward.
"No one I know wants a coronation. In fact, Kamala will be stronger to go through a mini primary and we need to have an alternative or two," one key donor told ABC News.
"We need to put best ticket together and let delegates vote," the donor added. "Not sure it’ll happen but we are trying."
Another delegate and donor told ABC News they are fully behind Harris.
"Now big donor money will start flowing again. His selfless act will save our republic," a second donor said.
-ABC News' Selina Wang
Biden and Harris spoke ahead of the president's decision to leave 2024 race
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris spoke on Sunday, ahead of Biden's decision to end his bid for reelection and endorse Harris to be the next Democratic pick.
"Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year," Biden wrote in a statement on X.
Sen. Cory Booker expresses ‘profound gratitude’ to Biden
In a statement on X, Sen. Cory Booker expressed his "profound gratitude" to Biden following news that he would end his reelection campaign.
"I cannot overstate the gravity of the noble and history-making decision that President Biden just made. The feeling that I have right now is one of profound gratitude," Booker wrote. "I am grateful that Joe Biden has been a friend, the most dedicated of public servants, and an extraordinary president."
"I am grateful that we have a president whose patriotism and love of country drove him to run and win against demagoguery in 2020, and who now, because of that same fierce love and devotion to his fellow Americans, has decided to be the bridge to a new generation of leaders," he wrote.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer weighs in on Biden's decision
Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised President Biden's legacy and said he "put the country, his party, and our future first" with his decision Sunday.
“Joe, today shows you are a true patriot and great American,” he said.
Schumer's statement comes days after sources told ABC News that Schumer privately urged Biden to drop out of the race.
Schumer had a blunt conversation with Biden, sources said, making the case it would be best if Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race.