CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – President Joe Biden announced Sunday that he is dropping out of the 2024 presidential race and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris.

Biden posted on social media, “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 focus on fulfilling my duties as president. My first decision as nominee in 2020 was choosing Kamala Harris as my VP, and it was the best decision. I fully endorse her as our nominee. Democrats, let’s unite and beat Trump.”

UVA Politics Professor Larry Sabato noted that Biden was “heading for perhaps a landslide electoral defeat,” citing recent polling in key states that indicated a decline Biden could not ignore.

Reactions are coming in from across Virginia:

Governor Glenn Youngkin: “Make no mistake, whether it’s border czar Kamala Harris or someone else, it’s the Biden/Harris Administration’s weak leadership and resulting chaos around the world and here at home that is on the ballot this November.”

U.S. Senator Tim Kaine: “I am deeply grateful for his years of service… I’m looking forward to working with my friend Kamala Harris and a great ticket mate to keep Virginia blue so that we can continue to build on our progress.”

U.S. Senator Mark Warner: “This nation owes Joe Biden a debt of gratitude for putting everything on hold to run in 2020 and taking the reins as President during a particularly turbulent time.”

5th District Republican Representative Bob Good: “It’s Biden’s policies, and they are destroying the country.”

House Republican Leader Todd Gilbert: “The ‘save democracy’ crowd in the Democrat party finally ousted their democratically chosen nominee. No matter who emerges from this mess of their own making, Democrats will continue to make life harder, less prosperous, and more dangerous for all Americans.

U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger: “Once again, I thank President Biden for his decades of service to our country and for his remarkable leadership as President. The stakes of this election are enormous, and that’s why I endorse Vice President Harris to serve as the next President of the United States. We have no time to waste, and we all have a role to play in delivering a victory.”

Attorney General Jason Miyares: “For years Washington Democrats knew that Joe Biden was not capable to serve as president yet they stood with him to hold onto power. This is one of the greatest political scandals in American history.”

State Senator L. Louise Lucas: “President Biden’s leadership rescued our country from one of the darkest periods in our history – a failing economy, a pandemic worsened by our leadership and a democracy in peril. I want to personally express my gratitude for all that he has done for our country.”

Former U.S. Representative Denver Riggleman: “We could have a Harris (or other nominee) vs. Vance election come November. Trump is not in the best cognitive health & he has been slipping fast.”

House Democratic Leader Don Scott: “This is historic!!! I’m incredibly proud and excited to support Vice President Kamala Harris and look forward to electing her as the first woman President of the United States.”

With states already having held their primaries, the Democratic delegates — state and local party officials selected during the primaries — will decide who will replace Biden at the top of the ticket.

This decision will be made at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, scheduled to begin on August 19.