Jon Tester becomes second Democratic senator to call for Biden to drop out of presidential race

Montana Sen. Jon Tester on Thursday night became the second Senate Democrat to call for President Joe Biden to stop his bid for reelection, as questions continue to swirl about the president's ability to lead the country for another four years.

Tester joins Vermont Sen. Peter Welch and 20 House Democrats in calling for Biden to stop trying to get a second term in the White House. Biden has pushed back against claims that he is not fit for office, and rejected calls to step aside. But he tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday.

“Montanans have put their trust in me to do what is right, and it is a responsibility I take seriously. I have worked with President Biden when it has made Montana stronger, and I’ve never been afraid to stand up to him when he is wrong,” Tester said in a statement to the Daily Montanan. “And while I appreciate his commitment to public service and our country, I believe President Biden should not seek re-election to another term.”

Tester said that Biden should finish out the remainder of his term, and said he supports an open nominating convention in Chicago this August.