Rep. Mike Levin on Friday joined his Democratic colleague Scott Peters in calling for President Biden to end his candidacy for re-election and “pass the torch.”
Levin, who represents the 49th District in north San Diego and south Orange counties, said his decision was not easy.
“I have deep respect for President Biden’s five plus decades of public service and incredible appreciation for the work we’ve done together these last three and a half years,” said Levin. “But I believe the time has come for President Biden to pass the torch.”
On Thursday evening, following Biden’s televised press conference, Peters called on the president to end his campaign to avoid a loss to former President Donald Trump in November. Levin echoed that concern on Friday.
“We must prevail against the incalculable threat Donald Trump poses to the American institutions of freedom and democracy,” said Levin. “It is time to move forward — with a new leader.”
The two San Diego County political leaders join a growing number of Democrats across the country in the aftermath of Biden’s shaky debate performance against Trump earlier this month.
