Democratic Rep. Jim Costa calls for Biden to exit race

Rep. Jim Costa (D-Calif.) has joined the growing list of congressional Democrats calling on President Biden to step aside and allow someone else to run.

In a brief statement, Costa became the second Democrat to call on the president to exit the race on Thursday alone.

Costa said Biden has been an incredible president who led the country after the COVID-19 pandemic, but that it's time for him to "pass the torch."

“I am proud of the work we have done to pass monumental legislation that is leading to the first real investments in our communities in decades,” he said in the statement, obtained by The Hill. “But for the good of the country, I think it is time for the President to pass the torch to the next generation to carry on the legacy he started.”

Costa, 72, joined other Democrats arguing that the 81-year-old president’s poor debate performance highlighted his inability to beat former President Trump in the election and serve another four years if reelected.

The California Democrat said he thinks Democrats should “unite and deliver their strongest team to the American people in this election.”

Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.), also called on Biden to step aside. In a statement Thursday, Tester said he does not think the president should seek reelection. He became the second Senate Democrat to make that call.

Several prominent Democrats have both suggested and explicitly asked Biden to withdraw from the race after his debate sparked panic in the party. Many are sticking with Biden, who insists he is staying in the race.

All eyes are now on the president, as the decision to stay in remains his to make but the calls for him to pass the torch continue.