Joe Biden drops out of Presidential race: Here's how Republicans are reacting

US President Joe Biden

Joe Biden on Sunday dropped out of the US presidential election and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party's new nominee, in a stunning move that upends the 2024 race for the White House.

The 81-year-old Biden stepped aside after weeks of pressure from Democrats following a disastrous debate performance, throwing the election battle against Republican Donald Trump into unprecedented turmoil.

Here are some of the top reactions by the Republicans:

Biden 'must resign' as president 'immediately': House Speaker

Joe Biden must resign as president "immediately," the top Republican in Congress said Sunday, after the US president announced he was abandoning his bid to retake the White House amid intense pressure over his age.

"If Joe Biden is not fit to run for president, he is not fit to serve as president. He must resign the office immediately. November 5 cannot arrive soon enough," said House Speaker Mike Johnson in a statement.

Mike DeWine

“I have known President Biden since 1995 when I entered the U.S. Senate and served with him on the Senate Judiciary Committee. Fran and I wish President Biden and the First Lady all he best as he serves out the remainder of his term in the years ahead."

Mitch McConnell

“For four years, the American people have faced historic inflation at home, chaos at the border and weak leadership on the world stage. Our nation is less prosperous and less secure than it was in January 2021. We cannont afford four more years of failure.”

Ohio Congressman Mike Turner

“While the Democratic Party wondered if Joe Biden could serve for another four years, I have publicly stated my concerns that he’s not up to the job for the next four days. Our national security demands a full-time president. Today’s announcement confirms what the American people would have done at the ballot box in November. President Biden’s cabinet must take immediate action and determine if he is capable to govern the remainder of the year."

GOP VP Nominee JD Vance

If Joe Biden ends his reelection campaign, how can he justify remaining President? Not running for reelection would be a clear admission that President Trump was right all along about Biden not being mentally fit enough to serve as Commander-in-Chief. There is no middle ground.

If Joe Biden ends his reelection campaign, how can he justify remaining President?

Not running for reelection would be a clear admission that President Trump was right all along about Biden not being mentally fit enough to serve as Commander-in-Chief.

There is no middle ground.

— JD Vance (@JDVance1) July 21, 2024

Ohio Congress GOP Nominee Dave Taylor

“No surprise Joe Biden has dropped out of the race. Biden is unfit to run for re-election and unfit to serve as our Commander-In-Chief. It is time we come together as a country and unite behind the ticket that will get our country back on track.

No surprise Joe Biden has dropped out of the race. Biden is unfit to run for re-election and unfit to serve as our Commander in Chief.

It is time we come together as a country, and unite behind the ticket that will get our country back on track