unced Sunday he is no longer running for the White House against Republican Donald Trump in this year’s election after concerns about his age and ability to do the job.

“I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term,” the 81-year-old Biden said in a statement.

He immediately endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement, calling the Democrats to “come together and beat Trump.”

The announcement comes just a few months before Election Day on Nov. 5. 

Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, both Democrats serving Illinois, offered their reactions to this news. 

“Throughout his public career, Joe Biden always put country first. His four years as President made it clear that he was determined to put our country back on track and restore the soul of our nation. America will be forever grateful for all he has given to this country,” Durbin said. “Now the Democratic Party must unite behind a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump and keep America moving in the right direction. I will do everything in my power to help that effort.”

“No one has done more for working Americans than Joe Biden — and so many of us owe him a debt of gratitude for everything he’s done to improve our country,” Duckworth said. “This difficult decision ensures that Democrats can focus on the goal that unites each and every one of us: defeating Donald Trump and preventing another four years of his destructive chaos and corruption.”

In contrast, Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Bost offered a different take. 

“Republicans in Congress and concerned citizens across America have questioned President Biden’s fitness for office for months. After dismissing those concerns at every turn, Biden’s allies have now forced him out of the campaign in hopes of salvaging races up and down the ballot. Unfortunately for them, it’s too late,” Bost said. “The American people are hungry for change and for real leadership, and you aren’t going to get that from Vice President Harris or any of the other top Democrats who helped create this mess in the first place. President Trump is the clear front runner heading into November, regardless of who the Democrats nominate at their convention.”

The Democratic National Convention takes place Aug. 19-22 in Chicago.