NY Lt. Gov. Delgado urges Biden to drop out of presidential race

New York Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado, D, on Wednesday urged President Joe Biden to drop out of the presidential contest in favor of another nominee, becoming one of the highest ranking elected Democrats to do so amid concerns over his age and fitness to serve.

At least eight House Democrats have called on Biden to exit the race in the wake of his disastrous performance in the CNN presidential debate in which he often stumbled over his words or appeared lost on stage. Rep. Pat Ryan, D-N.Y., became the latest House lawmaker to do so on Wednesday.

"President Biden deserves our eternal gratitude for what he has accomplished," Delgado said in a statement. "By defeating Donald Trump in 2020, and leading our nation's recovery out of the pandemic, he has helped to restore faith in America both at home and abroad. I have immense respect and admiration for his deep and abiding commitment to the American people and our founding democratic ideals."

"He can add to his legacy, showing his strength and grace, by ending his campaign and making room for a new leader," he went on, before asserting the importance of defeating former President Donald Trump in November. "I believe we should move forward with a nominee capable of re-invigorating and re-energizing Americans who are determined to protect our democracy, and who want to do so with a candidate they believe can win."

Delgado's call placed him at odds with Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-N.Y., who has expressed support for Biden's candidacy.

“While Lieutenant Governor Delgado has the right to voice his opinion, Governor Hochul believes Democrats must come together, move forward as a united party, and focus on defeating Donald Trump in November,” Hochul campaign spokesperson Jen Goodman told Politico.

Thus far, Biden has refused to reconsider his candidacy. Earlier this week, he wrote to lawmakers on Capitol Hill insisting that “I wouldn’t be running again if I did not absolutely believe I was the best person to beat Donald Trump in 2024."