2024 Presidential Elections
13 more Democrats call for Biden to exit 2024 election
The number of Biden detractors on Capitol Hill now stands at 35, or more than 10% of the combined Democratic caucuses.
Washington, D.C. — The pressure on President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race has intensified as 13 more Democratic lawmakers, including key allies of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have publicly urged him to step aside. This brings the total number of congressional Democrats calling for Biden to exit the race to over 30, representing more than 10% of the Democratic caucuses in the House and Senate.
The latest wave of defections underscores the growing unease within the Democratic Party about Biden's ability to secure a victory against the likely Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump. Concerns about Biden's age, health, and recent public missteps have fueled calls for a change in leadership.
Key Figures Joining the Call
Among the new voices urging Biden to step down are two close allies of Pelosi. Representative Jared Huffman of California and Representative Zoe Lofgren, also of California, have both expressed their concerns. Huffman, a progressive representing a San Francisco Bay Area district adjacent to Pelosi's, joined Representatives Marc Veasey of Texas, Chuy Garcia of Illinois, and Mark Pocan of Wisconsin in issuing a joint statement on Friday.
In their statement, the lawmakers praised Biden's decades of public service but emphasized the need for new leadership to ensure a Democratic victory in November. "We must face the reality that widespread public concerns about your age and fitness are jeopardizing what should be a winning campaign," they wrote. "These perceptions may not be fair, but they have hardened in the aftermath of last month's debate and are now unlikely to change."
Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico also joined the call, becoming the third Senate Democrat to urge Biden to reconsider his candidacy. Heinrich, who is running for re-election, echoed the sentiments of Senators Peter Welch of Vermont and Jon Tester of Montana, both of whom have already called for Biden to step aside.
Broader Support for Change
The calls for Biden to withdraw are not limited to a specific faction within the Democratic Party. Representative Marc Veasey is the first member of the Congressional Black Caucus to publicly urge Biden to step down, while Garcia is a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Pocan, a former co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, represents the Congressional Equality Caucus, which advocates for LGBTQ+ rights.
In addition to these lawmakers, Representative Sean Casten of Illinois penned an op-ed in the Chicago Tribune on Friday, arguing that Biden's candidacy is a liability for the Democratic Party. "As long as this election is litigated over which candidate is more likely to be held accountable for public gaffes and 'senior moments,' I believe that Biden is not only going to lose but is also uniquely incapable of shifting that conversation," Casten wrote.
High-Level Concerns
The push for Biden to reconsider his candidacy is not limited to rank-and-file lawmakers. Former President Barack Obama and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi have privately expressed their concerns to Biden, according to sources familiar with the discussions. Pelosi reportedly showed Biden polling data indicating that he is unlikely to defeat Trump in a general election.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries have also conveyed their worries to Biden, emphasizing the potential risks to the party's chances in the upcoming elections. Despite these high-level concerns, Biden remains steadfast in his decision to run for re-election.
Biden's Response
President Biden has shown no public signs of backing down. In a recent statement, Biden's deputy campaign manager Quentin Fulks reiterated the president's commitment to the race. "He is not wavering on anything," Fulks said. Biden himself has emphasized his determination to defeat Trump and continue his agenda of defending democracy and creating opportunities for all Americans.
However, the growing chorus of Democratic voices calling for a change at the top of the ticket highlights the internal divisions and strategic concerns within the party. As the Democratic National Committee prepares for its nominating convention next month, the pressure on Biden to reassess his candidacy is likely to continue.
Conclusion
The Democratic Party is at a crossroads as it navigates the complexities of the 2024 election. With more than 30 congressional Democrats now publicly urging President Biden to step aside, the party faces a critical decision about its leadership and direction. As Biden battles mild COVID-19 symptoms and takes a brief break from campaigning, the calls for him to reconsider his re-election bid are expected to grow louder, potentially reshaping the landscape of the presidential race.