Democratic Voters Express Relief and Optimism at Biden’s Announcement

Some Democratic voters who have spent the summer wondering whether President Biden would remain in the race reacted with relief and little surprise on Sunday after learning that he would not seek re-election.

Cameron Stefanski, 31, who owns a marketing firm in Traverse City, Mich., had wanted Mr. Biden to step aside for weeks. He learned of the president’s decision on Instagram and viewed Mr. Biden’s endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as practical.

“I really feel that she’s young and has the energy to go out on the campaign trail and really bring people together,” said Mr. Stefanski, who has donated to and volunteered for Democratic candidates. “I’m hoping that Democrats really rally behind one another now that we kind of have a direction to head.”

Amy Stelly, a 66-year-old urban planner and community activist in New Orleans, said that Mr. Biden’s withdrawal from the contest was a needed reset for the Democratic Party. While she had supported him, she said she feared that his candidacy would not appeal to young voters who wanted someone fresh.

Ms. Stelly, who is African American, said she would be “elated” if Ms. Harris became the nominee.

“She is educated and the kind of clear thinker we need for these difficult times,” Ms. Stelly said. “I also think she would mop Trump up in a debate.”

In San Francisco, Armand Domalewski, a 34-year-old data analyst who last month protested former President Donald J. Trump’s appearance at a fund-raiser in the city, said he was “shellshocked” by how much had happened in the race since then.

Mr. Domalewski said he was glad that Mr. Biden had opted to put the country ahead of his own ego.

“I didn’t think I’d feel the historical gravity of the moment this profoundly,” he said. “It’s very