In the wake of President Joe Biden's decision to pull out of the 2024 presidential race, Florida Democrats on Sunday expressed their appreciation for the work he has done during his term, praised him for putting the country first and said they now must focus on defeating former president Donald Trump in the 2024 election.

Florida Democratic Party Chairperson Nikki Fried said Biden "will be remembered as one of the greatest presidents of our lifetimes."

The Florida Democratic Party issued a statement on behalf of Fried, too.

“As a leader, he has turned our economy around, guided us out of the COVID-19 pandemic, rebuilt our crumbling infrastructure and restored America’s place on the world stage. Florida Democrats are grateful to him for his work and for all of the sacrifices he has made in service to our country. His legacy will never be forgotten.

“Now is the time for Democrats to step up and secure the future of that legacy — because the race may have changed, but our focus has not. This is the most consequential election of our lifetime, and Democrats must stand united to defeat Donald Trump and J.D. Vance in November."

U.S. Rep Maxwell Frost (Florida-District 10) of Orlando, the first member of Generation Z to be elected to Congress, said the country is forever indebted to Biden for his career of service to the country and praised his accomplishments.

"“President Biden inherited a country ravaged by a global pandemic, an economy in the dumps, and a people who had lost faith in their country and democracy," Frost said. "He will leave this presidency having strengthened our republic, revived our economy, protected working families, and changed lives. I am proud to have stood by his side. 

“Make no mistake, the threat of fascism and authoritarianism is real in our country. Which is why now, we must look forward."

He also threw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris to get the nomination of the Democratic Party in the next election.

"Many vulnerable communities across the country will not survive another Trump Administration. It is important for our party to come together around a candidate who can beat him — which is why I am proud to offer my full support and endorsement to Vice President Kamala Harris," Frost said. “Vice President Harris has been a critical partner to President Biden during his historic presidency and is ready to take Donald Trump to task on the campaign trail and more importantly, to inspire a nation. It’s time to get to work to elect Kamala Harris and once again make history.”

U.S. Rep Darren Soto (Florida-District 90) of Kissimmee also cited Biden's numerous accomplishments.

Former U.S. Rep Val Demings, who was named one of seven impeachment managers against President Donald Trump in 2020, called Biden's decision "a stunning act of unselfish patriotism, grace, and decency."

The mayors of Tampa and St. Petersburg thanked Biden for his commitment to do what's right for the country, and Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said he did work that helped her city, too.

U.S. Rep Kathy Castor (Florida-District 14), who represents Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, threw her support to replace Biden behind Harris.

"There is a lot at stake in this election, and I have full confidence in Vice President Harris," Castor said in a statement. "She is a fighter who stands up for reproductive freedoms, civil rights, lowering costs for families and lifting up all Americans. I look forward to working for her election and defeating Donald Trump."

Florida Rep. Anna Eskamani (D-Orlando) said the president's decision could help increase the interest of voters who did not want to vote for either Trump or Biden. 

"What we're worried about are young people who felt disenchanted by their options, the No Party Affiliation voter who doesn't have a loyalty to either side, who really is in the middle, enough to be persuaded to support a candidate," Eskamani told Spectrum News 13. "So, we really have to think more strategically, not necessarily about the Democratic base, but about those who are not going to vote on their current options and those who are still persuadable."

Florida Senator Linda Stewart, who is running for the District 3 seat on the Orange County Commission this year, told Spectrum News 13, "The Democrats are anybody but Trump; that's where we are today."

Not everyone is fully behind the nomination of Harris to replace Biden, however. Attorney John Morgan, who has been a major fundraiser for the Democratic Party, said he won't be involved in fundraising in this election going forward.

Morgan said the nomination process should be opened up and offered his own suggestions for presidential and vice presidential nominees.