Public statement or official press release from Hakeem Jeffries

Sen. Warner, Backed by Schumer, Leads Effort Urging Biden to Withdraw from 2024 Race

Jul 6, 2024, 12:20 AM

Senator Mark Warner, an influential centrist closely associated with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, is reportedly organizing a group of Democratic senators to urge President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. This effort follows Biden's faltering debate performance, which has led to growing speculation and concern among Senate Democrats about his viability as a candidate. Some Democratic senators are privately urging House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to advise Biden to step aside, and dozens of House Democrats are considering signing a letter calling for his withdrawal. The Washington Post reported Warner's efforts, which were later discussed by George Stephanopoulos. In response to these reports, President Biden has acknowledged Warner's efforts but downplayed their significance, stating, 'Mark is a good man... he also tried to get the nomination too,' despite Warner not having run for president.