Another battleground Dem calls on Biden to withdraw

A 19th Hill Democrat is calling on President Joe Biden to withdraw from the ticket — one of California’s most vulnerable Democrats.

"First, let me say that President Biden has been an outstanding leader, not only of our nation, but of the entire free world. Making this statement is not easy," Rep. Mike Levin (D-Calif.) said in a statement. "I have deep respect for President Biden’s five plus decades of public service and incredible appreciation for the work we’ve done together these last three and a half years. But I believe the time has come for President Biden to pass the torch."

Levin is the fifth member to call on Biden to withdraw since the president’s NATO press conference on Thursday. He follows Rep. Brittany Pettersen (D-Colo.), who called on Biden to withdraw earlier Friday, and another San Diego representative, Rep. Scott Peters (D-Calif.), who made a similar statement shortly after Biden's press appearance.

"Once again, our national mettle must be forged in the crucible of history," Levin said in a statement. "It is time to move forward. With a new leader. Together.”

Levin joins a chorus of other front-liners — including Reps. Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.), Hillary Scholten (D-Mich.), Eric Sorensen (D-Ill.) and Angie Craig (D-Minn.) — who have called for a different leader.