CLEVELAND — Politicians from across the Buckeye State are sharing their thoughts after President Joe Biden announced he would withdraw his bid for reelection in 2024.
Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb was quick to weigh in, saying his administration "made Cleveland safer, more prosperous and prepared for the future."
"Thank you President Biden for being a champion for Cleveland, America's cities and our democracy during your presidency and over your entire career," Bibb wrote. "Now is the time to unite as a party and country around Kamala Harris and beat Trump. The stakes are just as high as they were yesterday. I’m ready to fight for the next 107 days to ensure we have four more years of unity, opportunity and progress.”'
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, extended well wishes to President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.
"I have known President Biden since 1995, when I entered the U.S. Senate and served with him on the Senate Judiciary Committee," DeWine wrote. "Fran and I wish President Biden and the First Lady all the best as he serves out the remainder of his term and in the years ahead."
Kevin Coughlin, the Republican candidate for Ohio's 13th Congressional District, which runs through Summit County and parts of Stark and Portage counties, posed: "If Biden is not well enough to run, how could he be well enough to serve?
"The reality is the choice will remain the same, regardless of who leads the ticket," Coughlin continued. "If you value border security: Vote Republican. If you value a lower cost of gas and groceries: Vote Republican."
Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval responded on social media: "We’re ready to work to get Kamala Harris elected! Let’s go make history."
Republican U.S. Senate candidate Bernie Moreno, who is running against Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown, said: "Sherrod Brown and San Francisco liberal Kamala Harris were the chief conspirators and enablers of the Biden mental decline cover up for years for one reason: because Brown and Harris could finally pass the extreme liberal agenda they've always wanted."
Brown shared his reaction on X, formerly Twitter.
Meanwhile, congresswoman Emilia Sykes, a Democrat who represents Ohio's 13th district, released the following statement:
"President Biden has served this country with honor and while I am sure this decision was not easy, I want to thank him for his service. The future prosperity of our country is a serious matter, and right now, more than ever, we need leaders that are looking toward the future and willing to work with anyone to find common ground and deliver meaningful results to our communities. We must ensure that we have a strong democracy and an economy that works for everyone. My focus has always been Ohio’s 13th Congressional District and in the coming months I will remain laser focused on delivering real results for my community, protecting our democracy and our freedoms and working to make the American Dream a reality in Northeast Ohio.
"I look forward to working with Democrats to unify around Vice President Kamala Harris as our Presidential nominee.”
In posts on social media, U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown (Ohio-11), expressed her admiration for Biden's decision and support for Harris' candidacy.
This is a developing story. Stay with 3News for updates.