Third Democrat senator calls on Biden to step aside as pressure mounts

Sen. Martin Heinrich

Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., issued a statement on Friday calling on President Biden to drop out of the 2024 presidential race, becoming the 28th Congressional Democrat to make such a call.

“Joe Biden is one of the most accomplished presidents in modern history. He has led our nation through unprecedented challenges with unwavering dedication and profound integrity. His years of service have made a lasting impact on the lives of countless Americans," the senator prefaced in a statement.

"However, this moment in our nation's history calls for a focus that is bigger than any one person. The return of Donald Trump to the White House poses an existential danger to our democracy," he explained. "We must defeat him in November, and we need a candidate who can do that."

"While the decision to withdraw from the campaign is President Biden's alone, I believe it is in the best interests of our country for him to step aside," Heinrich said, noting that "passing the torch" would aid him in securing a legacy "as one of our nation's greatest leaders."

More than 10% of Congressional Democrats have urged Biden to drop out of the race.