7 Massachusetts state Senate Democrats call for Biden to ‘pass the torch’

Seven Democratic Massachusetts state senators called on President Biden to stand down as the party nominee, saying in a joint statement Thursday night that “it is time for him to pass the torch.”

“We are calling for President Biden to step aside so that a different candidate can be nominated at the Democratic convention in August,” the state lawmakers said.

Democratic State Sens. Jo Comerford, Paul Feeney, Pat Jehlen, John Keenan, Jason Lewis, Michael Moore and Jamie Eldridge at the start of the joint statement hailed Biden’s “lifetime of public service to our nation” but argued that recent polls show “competitive races in blue states like Virginia and Minnesota” between Biden and former President Donald Trump.

The state senators also pointed to increasing worries from Democratic federal lawmakers over Biden’s chances against Trump, and the impact of losing the Oval Office for the party.

“A growing number of Democratic congressional leaders are deeply concerned that if President Biden remains at the top of the ticket, MAGA Republicans will control the presidency and both houses of Congress,” they said.

Selecting a new nominee would “inject badly needed excitement and grassroots energy into the party and its voters, especially young people,” the Massachusetts lawmakers argue.

The group closed its statement vowing to remain committed to the party’s success, whoever the nominee may be.

“Regardless of whether President Biden or a different candidate is ultimately nominated by the convention delegates, we will each do everything possible to support the Democratic ticket in this absolutely critical election,” the group said.

Eldridge is listed as a super delegate for the Democratic National Convention.

Keenan also expressed his doubts individually Thursday.

“Is sticking with President Biden worth the risk?” he asked in a statement posted to the social platform X.

“The risk is not only losing the presidency, but also the House, the Senate, and most importantly, our form of government as we know it,” he wrote. “I do not believe moving forward with President Biden as the Democratic Party nominee is worth the risk.” 

The remarks come as former President Obama, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) have all privately raised concerns about his ability to beat Trump in November and the downballot implications of a potential loss.

The president’s campaign team has repeatedly sought to quell concerns from party lawmakers and voters, most recently during a Friday interview on MSNBC.

“Absolutely, the president’s in this race,” Jen O’Malley Dillon, Biden reelection campaign chair, told “Morning Joe” when asked by co-host Mika Brzezinski if Biden is still in the race, saying the incumbent “is more committed than ever to beat Donald Trump.”

The Biden campaign also released a memo following the end of the Republican National Convention reiterating the president will be the Democratic nominee, even as the party remains embroiled in disagreement about the path forward.

“Joe Biden has made it more than clear: he’s in this race and he’s in it to win it. Moreover, he’s the presumptive nominee, there is no plan for an alternative nominee,” Dan Kanninen, Biden campaign battleground states director, wrote in the memo, obtained by The Hill.  

Biden is expected to make a major announcement soon regarding his candidacy, according to party insiders.