Manuel, Phelan react to Biden’s withdrawal from race

Published 12:33 pm Monday, July 22, 2024

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Party members on each side have voiced their thoughts on President Joe Biden’s recent announcement to drop out of the presidential race.

State Rep. Christian Manuel, D-22, offered thanks to Biden for his lifetime service to the American people.

Manuel reiterated Biden’s accomplishments saying the President rescued the economy from the devastation of the pandemic, there are more jobs in America now than ever before, we are manufacturing more items at home than ever before. Thanks to President Biden’s signature Inflation Reduction Act, more energy and manufacturing jobs have already come to Port Arthur-Beaumont and other coastal communities like ours.”

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“President Biden is not seeking re-election, but our civic duty remains the same: we must all get out and vote,” Manuel said. “Make your voice heard at the ballot box this November and decide what kind of country you want to live in.”

Manuel is endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris, he said.

State Rep. Dade Phelan, R-21, who is Speaker of the House, said in a statement that Biden’s decision confirms what Republicans have known for a long time: the Biden-Harris Administration is unfit for four more years in the White House.

“Bowing out and replacing the presumptive nominee this late in the game has created chaos and division among their ranks over the past several weeks,” Phelan said. “Republicans, in contrast, must unite as a party to elect strong conservative leaders up and down the ballot this November, which is where my focus remains.”

According to the Texas Tribune, Democrats have about a month to ensure their nominee makes it to the ballot in Texas. The Texas election code states that if a presidential nominee withdraws by the 74th day before Election Day — Aug. 23, in this case — then the Texas secretary of state can certify a replacement. The law requires the Texas Democratic Party chair to submit the replacement nominee no later than 5 p.m. of the 71st day before the election day, or Aug. 26.

The timing lines up with the Democratic National Convention, which is scheduled for Aug. 19 through Aug. 22.

Biden announced his withdrawal from the race Sunday. Biden’s statement was seen on X, formerly Twitter, in which he stated he will now focus all of his energies on his duties as president for the remainder of his term. He also offered his support and endorsement of Harris as the party nominee.

The Texas tribune contributed to this article