Local Reactions to President Biden’s Decision to Not Seek Reelection

President Biden in Monterey Park (File Photo – Screengrab)

Local reactions to President Biden’s decision to not seek reelection.

By News Desk

Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), who serves as Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), released the following statement following the announcement by President Biden that he will serve one term as president:

“I am forever thankful to and inspired by President Biden for his unwavering commitment to bettering our country. It’s this commitment that has powered his career in public service and the landmark accomplishments of his administration. Bringing us out of a once-in-a-century pandemic. Fighting against anti-Asian hate, signing the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act into law, and starting the process for a national museum that celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander history. Nominating a historic number of women, people of color, and LGTBQ+ Americans for executive positions and judicial roles. Powering an infrastructure and manufacturing boom. Leading an economic comeback unparalleled worldwide. Beating Big Pharma and lowering health care costs for Americans. Overseeing the biggest investment in fighting the climate crisis ever and protecting millions of acres of public lands, including the San Gabriel Mountains in my district. Championing the first gun safety legislation in decades that is saving lives. Expanding the NATO alliance and fighting authoritarianism around the world. Rebuilding and strengthening our own democracy after the former MAGA president disgraced it and initiated terrible violence on January 6, 2021.

I can never forget the empathy President Biden showed in a time of immense need for the families of the victims of a mass shooting in my hometown Monterey Park. I am forever grateful for the hours he spent with us in this selfless act of healing for our community. President Biden is a good, decent man who has always been a warrior for the soul of this nation. We are a better nation for his leadership. I thank him for his decades of service and look forward to fighting with him on behalf of the American people for the remainder of his term and beyond.”

Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis issued the following statement:

“President Biden’s career of public service is one that has been and continues to be defined by courage, honesty, sacrifice, decency, and an unwavering service to country, especially empowering working-class families and vulnerable Americans with access to the resources they need to move closer to realizing the American dream.

President Biden’s legacy is dominated by equity and equality — from his commitment to delivering affordable healthcare, fighting for social justice, strengthening environmental protection, and protecting women’s reproductive rights, to curbing the public-health scourge of gun violence, investing in America’s future, addressing income inequality and combatting climate change — for every American of every race, gender, sexual orientation, and immigration status.

I had the great honor to serve as Labor Secretary in President Obama’s cabinet and have seen firsthand the character and decency of President Biden that is rooted in his faith, which has helped him persevere and overcome devastating personal tragedy.

I thank him and his wife, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, for tirelessly serving our country with continued dignity, grace, honesty, character, and devotion and for always placing the country’s needs above their own.”