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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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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.
Sen. Bernie Sanders says Biden has served with 'honor and dignity'
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders reacted to Biden's decision to end his bid for reelection on Sunday.
"Joe Biden has served our country with honor and dignity," Sanders wrote in a statement on X.
"As the first president to ever walk on a picket line with striking workers, he has been the most pro-working class president in modern American history," Sanders continued.
Sanders ran against Biden for the Democratic nomination in the 2020 presidential race.
"Thank you, Mr. President, for all you’ve done," Sanders wrote.
Biden 'patriotic American who has always put our country first': Pelosi
Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi called President Joe Biden "a patriotic American who has always put our country first."
"His legacy of vision, values and leadership make him one of the most consequential Presidents in American history. With love and gratitude to President Biden for always believing in the promise of America and giving people the opportunity to reach their fulfillment," Pelosi said in a statement Sunday.
"God blessed America with Joe Biden’s greatness and goodness," Pelosi said.