President Joe Biden faced renewed pressure from Democratic lawmakers on Friday urging him to exit the presidential race, despite his campaign’s insistence that he remains committed. Following the Republican National Convention, over a dozen lawmakers, including Democratic Sen. Martin Heinrich of New Mexico and California Rep. Zoe Lofgren, a close ally of former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, publicly called for Biden to step down. This brought the total number of congressional Democrats urging his withdrawal to more than 30.
Sources close to Pelosi, speaking anonymously due to the sensitive nature within the party, indicated that Friday’s statements, particularly Lofgren’s letter, were influenced by Pelosi’s belief that it’s crucial for Biden and his supporters to recognize the sustained push against him following the Republican convention, despite efforts by his campaign to quell dissent.
Heinrich became the third senator to publicly advocate for Biden’s departure from the race, stating that it would be in the country’s best interests. “By passing the torch, he would secure his legacy as one of our nation’s greatest leaders and allow us to unite behind a candidate who can best defeat Donald Trump and safeguard the future of our democracy,” Heinrich asserted.
Additionally, Rep. Greg Landsman of Ohio voiced on CNN’s “Inside Politics” that it was now time for Biden to step aside.