PHOENIX — Arizona Democratic Rep. Greg Stanton is asking President Biden to leave the race, becoming the second Democratic congressman in the critical swing state to do so.

“The Democratic Party must have a nominee who can effectively make the case against Trump, and have the confidence of the American people to handle the rigors of the hardest job on the planet for the next four years. For the sake of American democracy, and to continue to make progress on our shared priorities, I believe it is time for the President to step aside as our nominee,” Stanton stated Thursday afternoon.

The congressman has been a big supporter of the president, greeting him on the tarmac at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in March. Stanton is in a competitive re-election race of his own, as he represents parts of the hotly competitive Phoenix suburbs.

“Back in 2020, long before Joe Biden was the presumptive nominee of our party, I endorsed his
candidacy for President — and I’m proud of that decision. President Biden has been one of our country’s
most effective modern chief executives, and has truly delivered for Arizona — signing into law a once-in-a-
generation investment in our infrastructure, the most consequential bill ever to fight climate change and
protect our water, lowering drug prices for seniors, and turbocharging the U.S. semiconductor industry,” he added.

Stanton is not the first Democrat to raise concerns about the president’s candidacy going forward. Rep. Raul Grijalva broke ranks shortly after Biden’s poor debate night last month, becoming one of the first lawmakers nationwide to ask him to step aside in a New York Times interview. Stanton is the 13th Democratic congressman to do so.

The Post reported Wednesday that Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs believes “Arizonans have been concerned about the president’s age” but said it is up to him to decide whether he remains in the race.

Grand Canyon State Rep. Ruben Gallego, who’s pursuing the Senate seat left open by outgoing independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, echoed that Biden has work to do to reassure the public he is fit to serve a second term, Business Insider reported.

Stories continue to drop about liberal leaders wanting Biden to pass the torch, while others have remained behind the former president in the hopes their primary votes will be honored at the Democratic National Convention. Biden will hold a press conference Thursday night at the conclusion of the NATO Summit in Washington, DC.