US President Joe Biden has announced that he will not seek re-election. In a statement released this evening, Biden stated that, even though he had originally planned to run for another term, he believes it is in the best interest of his party and the country for him to focus on the remainder of his current term. He also highlighted some of the accomplishments of his administration over the past three and half years.
“Today, America has the strongest economy in the world. We’ve made historic investments in rebuilding our nation, in lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, and in expanding affordable health care to a record number of Americans,” reads the statement in part.
“We’ve provided critically needed care to a million veterans exposed to toxic substance. Passed the first gun safety law in 30 years. Appointed the first African American woman to the Supreme Court. And passed the most significant climate legislation in the history of the world,” continues the statement.
Biden, in the statement, said he will address the nation in more detail about his decision later this week. Some of the top potential replacements that could replace Biden include Vice President Kamala Harris, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Kentucky Andy Beshear, and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. Biden has spent the last several months accruing nearly 4,000 Democratic delegates by winning primary elections in US states and territories.
The delegates are not necessarily required to vote for him, as they have the freedom to vote according to their conscience. If Biden were to step aside and “release” his delegates, other Democratic candidates may compete to become the nominee.
