COLUMBIA, S.C. — As the United States and the world react to President Joe Biden's announcement that he won't seek reelection, South Carolina lawmakers and organizations are also weighing in on the decision.
Rep. Jim Clyburn, who has been a strong supporter of Biden since he first ran for president, issued a statement Sunday afternoon, saying it has been an "honor and a privilege" to call him a friend.
"When I endorsed then-candidate Biden in 2020, I noted how I could think of no one with the integrity and no one more committed to the fundamental principles that form the foundation of our great country than him.," he said.
Clyburn said he also supports Biden's decision to back Harris as the Democratic nominee for president in his place.
On the other side of the aisle, Rep. Nancy Mace reacted to the announcement by suggesting that the Democratic Party "covered up Biden's cognitive decline."
Rep. William Timmons called on the president to resign, suggesting that "if he cannot run for re-election today, he should not be our President tomorrow."
Democratic Party Chair Jaime Harrison, a South Carolina native, honored Biden, calling him his friend and his president. He added that the public owes him an "enormous debt of gratitude" for the "unparalleled progress he has delivered over the last four years."
He also commented on the difficult task the Democratic Party faces in the coming days.
As we move forward to formally select our Party’s nominee, our values as Democrats remain the same – lowering costs, restoring freedom, protecting the rights of all people, and saving our democracy from the threat of dictatorship.
On the state level, South Carolina Republican Party Chair Drew McKissick also released a statement stating that Biden stepping aside will not affect the election outcome and that Donald Trump will be the next president.
"They're making Joe Biden tap out in hopes it will fix their problems," he said.
South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain thanked Biden for his leadership and sacrifice.
"President Biden's Leadership brought our country back from the brink after the pandemic and the worst economic crisis in 80 years," she said.