The Last Sitting President to Exit the Race: Who Was It?

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden’s Unexpected Withdrawal from the 2024 Race

President Joe Biden shocked the political world on Sunday with an unprecedented announcement that he will not seek re-election in 2024, making him the first president in nearly 60 years to voluntarily step aside after one term. This decision, coming so late in the election cycle, has left the Democratic Party in uncharted waters.

The last incumbent president to make a similar decision was Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968. Under pressure from the Vietnam War, Johnson announced his withdrawal after just one state primary. In contrast, Biden’s exit comes after more than 14 million Democrats cast primary votes in his favor.

In historical context, Johnson’s presidency began tragically after John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963. Johnson won a full term in 1964 but chose not to run again as the Vietnam conflict intensified. Earlier, Harry Truman also stepped down after a primary defeat in 1952, despite his critical role in ending World War II by authorizing atomic bomb attacks on Japan. Both presidents faced tough personal and political challenges that influenced their decisions.

With Biden out, the Democratic Party faces an urgent task to unify around a new candidate. Vice President Kamala Harris must rally support among nearly 4,000 state delegates and over 700 superdelegates, including party leaders and former high-ranking officials. Biden’s prior dominance in the primaries complicates the transition, as current rules prevent him from transferring pledged delegates to another candidate, although his endorsement will carry significant weight.

Republican opponent Donald Trump, who has tailored his campaign against Biden, must now refocus on a new challenger.

The Democratic Convention will open with unprecedented uncertainty. Harris and other potential candidates face a brief and intense period to solidify support and present a viable alternative to Trump.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.