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President Biden is confronting doubts from within the Democratic Party about whether he should continue to run for reelection following his faltering performance in the first presidential debate.
More than a dozen congressional Democrats have publicly called for him to exit the race. At least four other Democratic lawmakers said during an off-the-record call Sunday with House leadership that they believe Biden should step aside, according to people familiar with the discussion. One of the four, Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), went public with his views on Monday. The Washington Post is tracking which congressional Democrats call on Biden to drop out as the party weighs whether he belongs at the top of the ticket.
Growing number of Democrats in Congress say Biden should drop out
Among 264 congressional Democrats
- First presidential debate (June 27)
- Democratic convention begins (August 19)
Many Democrats have rallied behind Biden, however, even as others have raised concerns about hisfitness as a candidate or ability to defeat Donald Trump. The Post is no longer updating this page with comments from Democrats who have been critical of Biden, focusing instead on those who have explicitly said Biden should not be the nominee.
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Biden has said he has every intention of staying in the race. “The question of how to move forward has been well-aired for over a week now. And it’s time for it to end,” Biden told congressional Democrats in a letter on Monday.
Why these Democrats want Biden to step aside
Competitive race in 2024, per Cook Political Report
Rep. Mike Levin Calif. 49th
Jul. 12
"Making this statement is not easy. I have deep respect for President Biden’s five plus decades of public service and incredible appreciation for the work we’ve done together these last three and a half years. But I believe the time has come for President Biden to pass the torch."
Rep. Brittany Pettersen Colo. 7th
"Joe Biden saved our country once, and I'm joining the growing number of people in my district and across the country to ask him to do it again. Please pass the torch."
Rep. Eric Sorensen Ill. 17th
"Every day, I remain committed to the people of Central & Northwestern Illinois. I believe our best days are still ahead. And today, I am hopeful President Biden will step aside in his campaign for President."
Rep. Scott Peters Calif. 50th
Jul. 11
"Today I ask President Biden to withdraw from the presidential campaign. The stakes are high, and we are on a losing course. My conscience requires me to speak up and put loyalty to the country and to democracy ahead of my great affection for, and loyalty to, the President and those around him."
Rep. Jim Himes Conn. 4th
"It has been the honor of my career to work with him on the achievements that secured his remarkable legacy in American history. It is because of those traits, and in consideration of that legacy, that I hope President Biden will step away from the presidential campaign."
Rep. Ed Case Hawaii 1st
Jul. 11
"I do not believe President Biden should continue his candidacy for re-election as President. This has nothing to do with his character and record. If it did, there would be no decision to make. This is solely about the future, about the President’s ability to continue in the most difficult job in the world for another four-year term."
"For the sake of American democracy, and to continue to make progress on our shared priorities, I believe it is time for the President to step aside as our nominee."
Rep. Bradley Schneider Ill. 10th
Jul. 11
"I love President Biden. I am forever grateful for his leadership and service to our nation. The time has come, however, for President Biden to heroically pass the torch to a new generation of leadership to guide us to the future he has enabled and empowered us to pursue."
Rep. Hillary J. Scholten Mich. 3rd
"We must have a standard bearer who will fight morning, noon, and night for our civil and voting rights and unite the free world against the rising tide of authoritarianism. Joe Biden has been that leader for so long; but this is not about the past, it’s about the future. It’s time to pass the torch.”
Sen. Peter Welch Vt.
Jul. 10
"We cannot unsee President Biden’s disastrous debate performance. We cannot ignore or dismiss the valid questions raised since that night. ... I’m calling on President Biden to withdraw from the race."
Rep. Earl Blumenauer Ore. 3rd
Jul. 10
“While this is a decision for the president and the first lady, I hope they will come to the conclusion that I and others have: President Biden should not be the Democratic presidential nominee,” said in an emailed statement.
Rep. Pat Ryan N.Y. 18th
“For the good of our country, for my two young kids, I’m asking Joe Biden to step aside in the upcoming election and deliver on the promise to be a bridge to a new generation of leaders,” Ryan told the New York Times.
Rep. Mikie Sherrill N.J. 11th
“[B]ecause I know President Biden cares deeply about the future of our country, I am asking that he declare that he won’t run for reelection and will help lead us through a process toward a new nominee.”
Rep. Joseph Morelle N.Y. 25th
Jul. 7
Four House Democrats said during a leadership call Sunday that President Biden should drop his reelection bid, three people on the call told The Washington Post’s Capitol Hill team. Morelle was one of the four Democrats.
Rep. Jerry Nadler N.Y. 12th
Jul. 7
Four House Democrats said during a leadership call Sunday that President Biden should drop his reelection bid, three people on the call told The Washington Post’s Capitol Hill team. Nadler was one of the four Democrats.
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