WASHINGTON — Rep. Lloyd Doggett, a seasoned Democrat from Texas, sparked controversy by becoming the first sitting Democratic congressman to openly advocate for President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race. Doggett cited Biden's underwhelming debate performance and consistent polling trailing behind Donald Trump throughout the year as primary motivations for his bold stance.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Doggett stressed the imperative of safeguarding democracy from what he characterized as a looming threat of authoritarianism under Trump's leadership. "Our foremost consideration must be identifying who offers the best chance to protect our democracy from an authoritarian takeover by a criminal and his associates. The risk of a Trump victory is too great to ignore — it's unrealistic to expect a turnaround now after what we've witnessed," Doggett asserted.

Drawing a historical parallel, Doggett highlighted the weight of Biden's decision, drawing on the example of Lyndon Johnson, who faced different circumstances but made a similarly difficult choice to withdraw. "I represent the heart of a congressional district once represented by Lyndon Johnson. Under very different circumstances, he made the painful decision to withdraw. President Biden should do the same," Doggett urged.

At 77 years old, Doggett has represented a blue district centered in Austin, Texas, since 1995, amplifying the significance of his call for Biden to step aside in favor of a new Democratic nominee. "I am hopeful that he will make the painful and difficult decision to withdraw. I respectfully call on him to do so," Doggett added.

While Doggett's stance marks a departure from the typical public support shown by members of a president's own party, it remains unclear how many other Democratic lawmakers will follow suit. The Biden administration and campaign have affirmed their commitment that Biden will continue to seek reelection as the party's nominee for 2024. Notably, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and other Democrats have voiced their support for Biden amid ongoing internal discussions.

Acknowledging Biden's accomplishments, Doggett acknowledged, "President Biden has achieved much for our country at home and abroad," but emphasized the need for new leadership to unite the nation through a transparent democratic process. He pointed to Biden's trailing behind Democratic senators in pivotal states and consistently lagging in polling against Trump as indicators that a change in candidacy may be necessary.

Highlighting recent judicial developments, Doggett pointed to the Supreme Court's immunity ruling as heightening the urgency to prevent a Trump presidency. "This week, with the Supreme Court creating 'a law-free zone around the President,' Trump, newly-empowered with immunity, could usher America into a long, dark, authoritarian era unchecked by either the courts or a submissive Republican Congress," Doggett warned.

Following Doggett's call, other voices within the Democratic Party echoed similar sentiments. Adam Frisch, a Democratic candidate from Colorado, urged Biden to prioritize the country's interests and withdraw from the race, stressing the need for stronger leadership alternatives. Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro, a contender in the 2020 primaries, also suggested Vice President Kamala Harris and other Democrats could mount more effective challenges to Trump in 2024.

In contrast, Rep. Jared Golden of Maine, one of the few House Democrats representing a Trump-supporting district, expressed resignation about a potential Trump victory, asserting that democracy would endure despite personal objections.

As the debate intensifies within Democratic circles, Doggett's call for Biden's withdrawal sets a significant tone for future discussions on party strategy and leadership ahead of the 2024 presidential election.