Missouri, Kansas politicians react to President Biden withdrawing from re-election campaign

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — President Joe Biden announced Sunday he is dropping his bid for re-election. Within moments, reactions started to pour in from political leaders in Missouri and Kansas.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, a fellow Democrat, offered praise for Biden.

Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas, also a Democrat, also offered praise for Biden.

"As a mayor and a convention delegate, I look forward to the Democratic Party presenting Americans with a clear choice for progress for all — particularly in areas too often overlooked in Middle America — over division and chaos," Lucas said in part.

U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II was on a flight when the news broke. He later sent a statement to KSHB 41 on his reaction to Biden's news.

“President Biden has given his life to public service. His accomplishments and policies have helped millions and millions of Americans," Cleaver said. "I respect his decision and know that Democrats will pull together and be united for the November election."

Kansas Rep. Sharice Davids said in a statement that by stepping aside from the race, Biden has "once again put the future of our country first."

"Now is the time for a new generation of leadership capable of defeating Donald Trump and fighting back against the growing extremism in our nation," Davids said. "Kansas families remain my top priority, and I am committed to doing everything in my power to deliver for them this November and beyond."

Jackson County Legislator Manny Abarca was brief, thanking the president for his service.

The Kansas Democratic Party similarly thanked Biden for his contributions to the nation.

"The Kansas Democratic Party would like to thank President Biden for his years of service to our country. We look forward to the process of nominating the Democrat who will defeat Donald Trump in November. We remain focused on supporting Kansas Democrats up and down the ballot." said Jeanna Repass, chair of the Kansas Democratic Party.

Additionally, former President Barack Obama penned a letter acknowledging Biden's "remarkable career in public service.

Missouri Republicans, meanwhile, were quick to question whether he should remain president if he is unable to continue his campaign.

Schmitt further elaborated in a full statement, where he claimed Biden's time in office is "past its expiration date" as his tenure brought "Americans crushing inflation, an abysmal foreign policy record and a vastly unchecked expansion of the administrative state."

"Americans are ready for new leadership, not more of the same from Democrats — regardless of who they now scramble to nominate," Schmitt said. "Further, if Joe Biden isn’t fit enough to serve as a candidate after the primary, he isn’t fit to serve as president now."

The Missouri Republican Party released a statement backing Donald Trump amid Biden's withdrawal.

"The choice is clear: Americans want a leader who will protect their freedoms, ensure economic prosperity, and maintain national security," said Missouri Republican Party Chair Nick Myers. "We are confident that our commitment to these values will lead us to prevail against any opponent the Democrats present."

Republicans on the Kansas side, including Sen. Roger Marshall, agreed with some of their Missouri counterparts in calling for Biden's immediate resignation.

Rep. Tracey Mann said he is confident the Republican Party will be successful in November.

Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, a Republican, highlighted the recent unusual political events the country has experienced in the past eight days.

Former Kansas AG Derek Schmidt pledged his allegiance to Trump/Vance in a statement. He went on to write Biden's move to withdraw "changes nothing, and we (Republican Party) will stay focused on Making America Great Again."

Additionally, former President Donald Trump chimed in on his social media site following the news of his opponent withdrawing from the race.

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