In the minutes of the announcement that President Joe Biden is withdrawing from the presidential campaign, Democratic leaders in Oregon reacted to the news.

Reactions came from U.S. Congressmen, congressional candidates, the governor and local leaders in emailed statements and on social media, sounding a chorus of praise for Biden’s leadership and legacy and emphasizing their commitment to defeating former President Donald Trump in November.

U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer sent the initial statement via email. Blumenauer is the only Oregon congressman retiring at the end of this term, and he is also the only Oregon congressman to have publicly called on Biden to resign.

He praised the breadth of Biden’s accomplishments, noting that they came as the country was emerging from the pandemic and recovering from a Capitol Hill uprising against his election.

“The president led our country back from the brink,” Blumenauer said. “He restored our reputation on the international stage. He introduced landmark legislation to rebuild and renew America, lower prescription drug prices, boost domestic manufacturing, and combat the climate crisis in the largest investment ever made by any administration.

“Today, President Joe Biden cemented his legacy in American history as the greatest president of the past 50 years. He made the right decision to spend the remainder of his presidency implementing his historic achievements rather than campaigning against Donald Trump. I am encouraged that President Biden can devote his full attention to this work.”

U.S. Representative Andrea Salinas also issued a statement calling Biden a “faithful public servant” who had rebuilt the middle class and strengthened working families in “times of crisis.” The next focus, she said, is winning the November election by defeating Trump.

“This is not a choice between Republican and Democrat. It’s a choice between democracy and authoritarianism,” Salinas said. “We must make our voices heard loud and clear at the ballot box in November and protect democracy for future generations.”

U.S. Representative Val HoyleD-Oregon, did not directly comment on Biden’s decision but retweeted a post by a Democratic strategist saying, “RT if you’re all for Kamala Harris running for president!” with an emoji of a palm tree and a coconut. Harris supporters have used the emojis to reference a viral quote from Harris: “Do you think you just fell out of a coconut tree? You exist in the context of everything you live in and everything that came before you.”

Governor Tina Kotek tweeted a thank you to Biden for decades of leadership and his “steadfast commitment” to making life better for working families.

“Oregon and the entire country are so much better today — safer, healthier and more secure — thanks to Joe Biden’s decades of service,” Kotek said.

State Representative Janelle BynumThe Democrat running against incumbent Republican Lori Chavez-DeRemer in the 5th Congressional District thanked Biden for his work in a message on X:

“Thank you President Biden for your tireless work and dedication to our country. In the midst of crisis, this administration has created the strongest economy in the world and lifted up the middle class,” Bynum wrote. “This November, we must come together to stand up for democracy, reproductive rights, and all Oregonians. The work continues!”

State Representative Maxine Dexterthe Democratic nominee to replace Blumenauer in Portland’s 3rd Congressional District, said Biden “has shown once again what real leadership looks like.”

“The country owes him a debt of gratitude for creating millions of new jobs, historic investments in our infrastructure, and bold climate action that will make a difference now and for generations to come,” Dexter tweeted.

Kevin StineA Medford city councilman who will serve as one of Oregon’s delegates to the Democratic National Convention said it was the right decision and that he plans to vote for Harris as a delegate.

“As one of 4,000 delegates to the convention, this was the right choice, and I look forward to what’s to come. Best of luck to Joe Biden for his service to the nation,” Stine tweeted.