Democrats praise Biden's achievements as president, with some endorsing Harris as his successor

WASHINGTON — Top Democrats on Sunday praised President Joe Biden for his accomplishments in the White House after he ended his re-election campaign, with some following his lead by expressing support for Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place as the party’s 2024 presidential nominee.

Many Republicans, meanwhile, said that Biden’s decision means he shouldn’t continue serving the rest of his term in the White House, which ends in January.

After Biden announced hewas exiting the presidential race in a letter Sunday afternoon, he endorsed Harris in a post on X. Harris said in a statement later on that she’s honored to have earned Biden’s endorsement and said her “intention is to earn and win this nomination.”

Harris celebrated Biden and his legacy, saying it’s “unmatched in modern American history, surpassing the legacy of many Presidents who have served two terms in office.”

“With this selfless and patriotic act, President Biden is doing what he has done throughout his life of service: putting the American people and our country above everything else,” she said.

Follow live updates on Biden’s exit from the 2024 election

The top Democratic leaders in Congress, however, didn’t offer an endorsement of Harris — or any other candidate.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said in a statement, that Biden “has not only been a great president and a great legislative leader but he is a truly amazing human being.”

“Joe, today shows you are a true patriot and great American,” said Schumer, who served with Biden in the Senate and spoke to him Sunday afternoon, according to a source familiar with their conversation.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., who until Sunday had been supportive of Biden remaining