Costa: It's Time for Biden 'to Pass the Torch' and Drop Out of Race

Politics

By David Taub, Senior Reporter

Published 6 hours ago on

July 18, 2024

Rep. Jim Costa (D-Fresno), right, is calling for President Joe Biden to drop out of the race against Donald Trump. (GV Wire Composite/Paul Marshall)

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Fresno Democratic Congressmember Jim Costa says President Joe Biden should end his re-election campaign.

“President Biden has been an incredible President who has led this country back to strength after the Pandemic. I am proud of the work we have done to pass monumental legislation that is leading to the first real investments in our communities in decades,” Costa said.

“But for the good of the country, I think it is time for the President to pass the torch to the next generation to carry on the legacy he started. Democrats need to unite and deliver their strongest team to the American people in this election.”

The veteran lawmaker had been a staunch Biden supporter. He is the latest Democrat asking Biden to re-consider. In a news release sent from Costa’s campaign, the House member did not indicate who he would support for president.

Just last month, Costa appeared alongside the president at a White House news conference on immigration.

Biden has vowed to remain in the race against Republican nominee Donald Trump, although published reports Thursday — citing sources close to the president —say he is considering dropping out and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris.

The Democratic National Convention takes place Aug. 19-22 in Chicago.

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David Taub,

Senior Reporter

Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email