5 congressional Democrats demanding Biden withdraw from 2024 race: From Lloyd Doggett to Raul Grijalva
5 Democratic lawmakers who have called for Joe Biden to drop out of the 2024 race
President Joe Biden has faced increasing pressure within his own party to drop out of the 2024 reelection race following his dismal performance in the presidential debate against Donald Trump. Despite the overwhelming criticism, Biden remains steadfast in his decision to run for reelection. "I am going to run and I'm going to win again," stressed the president at a recent Wisconsin rally. Having said that, the growing dissent among Democrats highlights the party's internal conflict and the fear of losing to Republicans in the upcoming general election. As Rep Angie Craig (D-MN) becomes the latest voice to cast doubt on Biden's ability to secure a win against Trump, here are the five congressional Democrats who have publicly urged the president to halt his reelection bid.
1. Lloyd Doggett
Rep Lloyd Doggett was the first House Democrat to urge Biden to withdraw his reelection bid. In a statement released on Tuesday, July 2, Doggett acknowledged Biden's transformative work but reminded him of his commitment to be a transitional leader. "Unlike Trump, President Biden's first commitment has always been to our country, not himself," noted Doggett, adding, "I am hopeful that he will make the painful and difficult decision to withdraw." Doggett, a progressive senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, has served his Austin-based district since 1994.
2. Raul Grijalva
Rep Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) followed Doggett's lead, telling The New York Times on Wednesday, July 3, that Biden needs to take responsibility for securing the presidency by stepping aside. Grijalva, a ranking member of the House Natural Resources Committee, stressed that "part of that responsibility is to get out of this race."
3. Seth Moulton
Adding to the progressive call for Biden's withdrawal, Rep Seth Moulton (D-MA) expressed his views in a WBUR interview on Thursday, July 4. Moulton, who challenged Biden for the Democratic nomination in 2020, lauded the president for his enormous service to the country but suggested that he should follow in George Washington's footsteps and make space for new leaders. "Biden should step aside to let new leaders rise up and run against Donald Trump," said Moulton, who has been the representative for Massachusetts' 6th congressional district since 2015.
4. Mike Quigley
Rep Mike Quigley (D-IL) called for Biden's withdrawal during an MSNBC interview on Thursday, July 4. Quigley praised Biden's legacy, stating, "Your legacy is set, and we owe you the greatest debt of gratitude." He added, "The only thing that you can do now to cement that for all time and prevent utter catastrophe is to step down and let someone else do this." Quigley, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee and former member of the House Intelligence Committee, has represented his Chicago-based district since 2008.
5. Angie Craig
Rep Angie Craig (D-MN) became the fifth House Democrat to voice concerns over Biden's reelection bid on Saturday, July 6. In her statement, the congresswoman noted, "Given what I saw and heard from the President during last week's debate in Atlanta, coupled with the lack of a forceful response from the President himself following that debate, I do not believe that the President can effectively campaign and win against Donald Trump."
