FL Officials React To Biden's Withdrawal From 2024 Presidential Race

FLORIDA — With President Joe Biden out and Vice President Kamala Harris presumably in for the 2024 presidential race, GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis offered words of criticism Sunday.

Biden endorsed Harris, his fellow Democrat, to become the party's next presidential nominee after dropping out of the race Sunday - much to the dismay of some Florida officials.

"Kamala Harris was complicit in a massive coverup to hide and deny the fact that Joe Biden was not capable of discharging the duties of the office," Gov. Ron DeSantis tweeted on his personal X account. "... Democrats are just rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic."

Biden shared the news of his departure in a letter to the nation, which came in the wake of a disastrous June debate performance against former President Donald Trump that unleashed a wave of growing dissent within Biden's own party.

RELATED: Biden Dropping Out Of Race For Re-Election; Harris To Run With His Endorsement

He added he would address the nation later in the week about his decision.

"It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President," Biden wrote. "And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term."

In a statement released on Facebook, Biden shared his support for Harris to take the helm as the U.S.' next president. He noted selecting her to become his vice president has been his best decision.

"Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump," Biden said. "Let’s do this."

If victory is declared on Harris' behalf, she will become the first female president of the U.S.

With Biden deciding to bow out of the presidential race, some Florida officials are calling for Biden's immediate resignation. Hillsborough Commissioner Joshua Wostal is one of them.

"Resign from the presidency now then," Wostal tweeted.

Florida Sen. Danny Burgess (R-Zephyrhills) agrees with Biden's decision, questioning a candidate's ability to lead a country if they are not able to run for reelection.

"While I believe President Biden’s decision not to run for reelection was the right call, the troubling reality is it was far too late in the election process and we are effectively a country without a Commander-in-Chief right now," Burgess tweeted. "It’s an admission to what we all have suspected for years, but was hidden from the American people, which is unconscionable."

Here's reactions from other Florida officials:

Rep. Maxwell Frost: "The most progressive and one of the most effective Presidents in our country’s history. The President to do the most on ending gun violence, defeating the climate crisis, and protecting working people. I have a lot more to say but for now I’ll just say: Thank you @JoeBiden."

Florida Democratic Party Chairperson Nikki Fried:"Thank you @POTUS. Joe Biden will be remembered as one of the greatest presidents of our lifetimes — the nation is eternally grateful. Now, the Democratic Party must be more united than ever to defeat Donald Trump."

Republican Sen. Rick Scott: "Let me be clear, if Joe Biden can’t run for re-election, he is not capable of serving as president for the next six months and needs to resign today. For four years, those closest to Joe Biden, including Kamala Harris, knew he was not fit to be president and lied to the American people in an effort to hold onto their power. It was painfully clear that Biden wasn’t competent for office going way back to 2021."

House Minority leader Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa): "Thank you @JoeBiden for your incredible service to our country. @KamalaHarris - Can't wait to call you POTUS. Folks we have an election to win - let's do this!"

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor: "President Biden today demonstrated his character and patriotism, putting our country first. He has delivered for Tampa, and I am grateful for his extraordinary public service and leadership."

Duval County Democratic Party: "Thank you President @JoeBiden. You will be remembered as one of the greatest presidents in American history."

Duval Democratic Chair Daniel Henry: “Joe Biden will be remembered as one of the greatest presidents in American history. As President, he strengthened our economy, guided our nation during the COVID-19 pandemic, made historic investments in infrastructure, and restored America’s place as a world leader. He protected and preserved our democracy. We are thankful for his dedication and service to this country.”

Duval County Republican Party Chair Dean Black: “Republicans are going to vote in enormous numbers. Things look great. I’d certainly rather be us than the Democrats at the moment but Republicans are not going to be stopped from voting.” (per News4Jax)

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz: "VP @KamalaHarris is uniting our party and nation to defeat Trump and his extreme #Project2025 agenda. She’s just what our nation needs, and I’m proud to give her my full support."

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez: "Gloria and I thank President Biden for his years of service and for acknowledging what is now apparent. Our nation needs energetic and engaged leadership. President Trump remains the best person to lead our nation with energy, strength and vision. This crisis for Democrats should be laid on the lap of the Democratic elites who have bypassed a Democratic nomination process. At the same time it's clear that Joe Biden isn't capable of governing and or campaigning. It should have never come to this. We should elect President Trump on the merits of his policy to restore America's stability, prosperity and national security."

The Associated Press contributed to this story.