New Mexico officials respond to Biden stepping down

President Joe Biden announced Sunday he is dropping out of the presidential race after a poor debate performance in June. Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris.

Here’s what some New Mexico officials had to say about it:

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham:

“While President Biden is an indisputably great leader, his decision to withdraw from the presidential race at this fraught moment in U.S. history is in the best interest of the Democratic Party and the nation.

“This decision will ensure President Biden’s rightful place as one of the most successful — and selfless — presidents in U.S. history. It also provides a stark contrast to Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee whose convention speech last week amounted to a litany of selfish grievances.

“As I have vowed before, I will do everything in my power to ensure that Donald Trump is denied another four years in the White House.”

NM Republican Party Chair Steve Pearce:

“New Mexico Democrats have been betrayed and lied to by the Democratic Party. Democrats have spent 3 1/2 years claiming Trump will destroy democracy. Now, by forcing Biden out without any legal framework to do so, Democrats have shown they have no respect for democracy and that their criticisms of Trump are simply projection and gaslighting.

“In a desperate bid to hold onto power, the elites have managed to undermine the votes of 111,049 New Mexicans who supported Joe Biden in this year’s primary, only to install a new ticket. New Mexico Democrats have been cheated of their voice and the democratic process. ...

“Today, Biden’s handlers also announced that they endorse Kamala Harris for president. Kamala Harris would be just as ineffective as president as she was in her role as the so-called border czar. What is clear is Republicans in New Mexico and nationwide are strongly united and enthusiastic about electing President Trump and every Republican up and down the ballot to get our state and country back on a prosperous and secure path.”

Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M.:

“History will remember President Joe Biden as one of the most effective, accomplished, and successful leaders America has ever had. With his decision today to put country over self, the president has secured his legacy. I commend him for his selflessness, honor, and integrity.

“From reducing the cost of prescription drugs, expanding health care for veterans, passing historic climate legislation, making once-in-a-generation investments in infrastructure, to securing the most meaningful gun safety measures in three decades, President Biden has left his mark on the greatest nation on earth.”

Sen. Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M.:

“President Biden has devoted his life to serving the American people and putting working families first. I know President Biden, and I respect him, his character, and his strong leadership. There is no one like him.

“President Biden accomplished what his predecessor could not — landmark investments in infrastructure and growing the economy, lowering prescription drug costs, and addressing the climate crisis. His legacy will be among the strongest of any American president. I know his decision to step aside was not taken lightly.”

New Mexico Senate Republican Leader Sen. Greg Baca of Belen, Whip Sen. Craig Brandt of Rio Rancho and Caucus Chair Sen. Mark Moores of Albuquerque issued a joint statement:

“Everyone has known for months that President Biden is unfit for office, but it wasn’t until his polling took a dive that the Democrat elites decided to push him out. For all their talk of ‘threats to democracy,’ they now have no problem undoing the will of their voters in this desperate attempt to keep power.

“Whoever the Democrats choose, they will face a united Republican Party under President Donald Trump. Our future is bright and it is clear that Republicans hold the answers to a stronger, safer, and more prosperous America.”

Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-N.M.:

“From passing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS & Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act to passing the PACT Act helping millions of veterans — by all accounts, President Biden has been a transformational President.

“Our focus now, must be on electing our VP and the Democratic ticket because we know that Donald Trump and J.D. Vance are the greatest threat our democracy has ever seen. Everything is on the line this November from women’s and LGBTQ rights, to the safety and well being of our communities, to the fight against climate change—and we MUST and we WILL win.”

Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández, D-N.M.:

“President Biden is a transformational president whose legacy will benefit generations to come. He reinvigorated manufacturing in America, created 15.7 million jobs and fought for reproductive rights. He was the first president ever to successfully negotiate with big pharma companies to lower prescription drug prices.

“The fight to uphold our democratic values is a relay, and Vice President Kamala Harris, with her strong record of leadership, will take the baton in stride and lead us to victory in November.

“It’s time now to unite to defend our country from the dangers of Donald Trump. Vice President Harris will bring renewed energy, unity, and vibrancy to this race. She will get the job done.”