LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Reactions are pouring in from current and former Kentucky lawmakers following President Joe Biden's decision not to run for reelection in November.  

He made his announcement on social media saying, "It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President," he wrote in a letter. "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."

Reactions began coming in shortly after the announcement.

Sen. Rand Paul

U.S. Rep. Morgan McGarvey

John Yarmuth, retired U.S. Representative

"Today, Joe Biden cemented his legacy as one of our greatest Presidents," Yarmuth said in a statement. "His selfless, heroic act of forgoing the nomination of the Democratic Party was just one more of many examples of his prioritization of the national interest." 

"I am excited about the prospect of a Harris candidacy and its potential to solidify Democratic voters and all other Americans who recognize the existential threat of a second Donald Trump administration."

"It was an honor to serve with Joe Biden and to help enact his historic agenda, including the American Rescue Plan, and, as a private citizen, I look forward to continued progress under President Kamala Harris." 

Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., released a statement about the president's decision. 

It said in part, “President Biden will be remembered as a consequential president. Along with Vice President Harris, he led us through the aftermath of the January 6th attack on our Capitol and steadily steered us out of a global pandemic. He showed up for Kentucky after devastating tornadoes and historic flooding, delivering immediate federal aid that is helping to rebuild our communities. His leadership provided infrastructure investments that are bringing clean drinking water and high speed internet to parts of Kentucky that for far too long had been overlooked and underserved. President Biden came through on the Brent Spence Companion Bridge Project, getting bipartisan funding for a project that had been stalled for years and is a major thoroughfare for national commerce.”high-speed."

State Rep. Daniel Grossberg

Secretary of State Michael Adams

State Sen. Robby Mills

U.S. Rep. Andy Barr

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., released a statement regarding Biden's decision.

"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 cannot afford four more years of failure."

"Unfortunately, the Democratic Party has been busy in recent weeks trying to upend the expressed will of the American people in primary elections across the country. Washington Democrats have not proven themselves any more capable than the President of delivering the secure borders, safe streets, and stable prices that working families deserve. They are selling open borders, higher prices, climate radicalism, and soft-on-crime policies, and the American people are not buying."

Kentucky House Democratic Caucus Leaders Derrick Graham, Cherlynn Stevenson and Rachel Roberts said the following in a statement: "President Biden has served this nation with distinction, building a legacy as senator, vice president and president that will have a positive and lasting impact for generations.  We commend him for his dedication to always put our country first, a selfless value that undoubtedly drove today’s decision.  His administration has overseen strong economic growth, a return of respect on the world stage, and a commitment to building an America that seeks to unite rather than divide.  Our presidential nominee may change, but furthering those goals never will." 

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg

This is a developing story. We will add more details when they become available.