WASHINGTON, DC – A Democratic lawmaker from Texas has broken ranks with the party and called for President Joe Biden to step down as the Democratic nominee for president, citing concerns over his performance in the recent debate against Donald Trump. Representative Lloyd Doggett of Texas released a statement urging Biden to withdraw, stating that he failed to effectively defend his accomplishments during the debate.

Doggett, who represents an Austin-based district and is serving his 15th term in Congress, is the first sitting lawmaker in his party to publicly express doubts about Biden’s candidacy. The debate performance has caused concern among Democrats, with many questioning if Biden, at 81 years old, is the strongest candidate to take on Trump in the upcoming election.

Beyond the race for the White House, Democrats are also facing challenges in maintaining control of both chambers of Congress in November. With more Senate seats to defend than Republicans, the party is under pressure to secure victories across the board.

The call for Biden to step down came shortly after former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi voiced similar concerns about the president’s debate performance. Pelosi raised questions about whether Biden’s struggles were just a temporary setback or indicative of a larger issue. Despite the criticism, Pelosi emphasized that Biden remains knowledgeable about the issues at hand and ready to lead.

As the 2024 election approaches, tensions within the Democratic Party are mounting, with questions about Biden’s candidacy taking center stage. The party faces a crucial decision regarding its nominee, with implications for the presidential race and down-ballot contests.

In a political landscape fraught with uncertainty, Doggett’s public critique of Biden highlights the growing unease within the Democratic Party. With the November election looming large, Democrats are grappling with the challenging task of selecting a candidate who can effectively challenge Trump and lead the party to victory.