In summary
Adam Schiff and other California Democrats have urged President Joe Biden to withdraw from the November election after his poor debate performance against Donald Trump.
Several members of California’s congressional delegation have urged President Joe Biden to drop out of the November election since his June debate with former President Trump.
Biden has several important allies in the state, especially Gov. Gavin Newsom.
But several California Democrats in swing districts and close allies of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have called on Biden to withdraw, saying they fear a landslide loss in the election that could drag down House and Senate Democrats.
Here’s a timeline of those statements.
June 27
President Joe Biden flounders in a debate with former President Donald Trump.
July 7
Several news organizations report that Rep. Mark Takano of Riverside was among four senior lawmakers who said during a leadership call that Biden should drop out.
July 10
On MSNBC, former House Speaker Pelosi suggested Biden should reconsider staying on the ticket: “It’s up to the president to decide if he is going to run. We’re all encouraging him to make that decision because time is running short.”
July 11
Rep. Scott Peters of San Diego calls on Biden to withdraw. “Today I ask President Biden to withdraw from the presidential campaign. The stakes are high, and we are on a losing course,” he wrote in a statement.
July 12
Rep. Mike Levin of San Juan Capistrano says Biden should withdraw: “The time has come for Biden to pass the torch.”
July 13
Rep. Adam Schiff, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, warns donors that Dems face wipeout if Biden stays on the ticket. “I think if he is our nominee, I think we lose,” he said, according to the New York Times
July 13
Trump survives an assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Bethel Park, Penn.
July 16
Rep. Jared Huffman of San Rafael circulates a letter urging Democratic National Committee to scrap a plan for an expedited nomination process that could have locked Biden onto the ticket ahead of the party’s August convention.
July 17
Schiff publicly declares Biden should drop out: “While the choice to withdraw from the campaign is President Biden’s alone, I believe it is time for him to pass the torch. And in doing so, secure his legacy of leadership by allowing us to defeat Donald Trump in the upcoming election.”
CNN reports Pelosi recently warned Biden he can’t win.
July 18
Rep. Jim Costa of Fresno says Biden should pass the torch: “Democrats need to unite and deliver their strongest team to the American people in this election.”
July 19
Huffman signs a letter with three other lawmakers urging Biden to withdraw.
July 19
Rep. Zoe Lofgren of San Jose writes Biden to withdraw. “I want to be clear that should you formally become the Democratic nominee for President I will do everything I can to promote your candidacy and to work for your success. Unfortunately, I greatly doubt that the outcome will be positive and our country will pay a dreadful price for that.”