A growing number of Democratic lawmakers are urging President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race as they believe a younger candidate may be better suited to face the challenges ahead.

Calls for Biden to step down intensified after Biden’s solo press conference after the NATO summit, with at least three more House Democrats expressing concern.

Despite optimism from Biden’s team about his performance, doubts remain in the party. Many worry whether Biden still has the fortitude needed to defeat former President Donald Trump and effectively lead the nation for another term.

Statements of concern

Rep. Jim Himes recognized Biden as a remarkable leader, but stressed the importance of presenting a strong candidate for the upcoming election.

“The 2024 election will determine the future of American democracy, and we must field the strongest candidate possible to counter the threat posed by Trump’s promised MAGA authoritarianism,” Himes said.

He expressed his belief that Biden is no longer that candidate and urged him to resign.

Rep. Scott Peters, (D.Calif), echoed those sentiments, citing Biden’s debate performance and declining swing state polls. “Today I’m asking President Biden to withdraw from the presidential campaign. The stakes are high and we’re on a losing streak,” Peters said.

At the same time, Rep. Eric Sorensen, (D-Ill), who is facing re-election in a competitive district, also called on Biden to step down. He expressed hope for a candidate who could communicate a positive vision for the country, urging Biden to prioritize the nation’s interests over personal ambitions.

Biden’s response and party tensions

During the press conference, Biden reiterated his commitment to finish the job he was elected to do. He pointed to the seriousness of the situation he inherited in terms of the economy, foreign policy and internal division. However, this did not appease his critics.

Some Democratic officials criticized Biden’s lack of a forward-looking message and his focus on foreign policy issues unrelated to swing voters. “He has done nothing to reassure Democrats that he understands how dire his political situation is or that he has a realistic plan to win,” the official told CNBC on condition of anonymity.

As the presidential conventions approach, time is running out for the Democratic Party to resolve its internal conflicts. Democratic leaders are showing urgency as they believe next week when lawmakers return is the last minute.

To be sure, the first major call for Biden to withdraw came from Representative Lloyd Doggett, a longtime Texas congressman, just five days after the June 27 debate. Doggett praised Biden’s accomplishments but expressed concern about his ability to defend them effectively.

A chorus of dissent

Several other House Democrats have joined the chorus, including Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz), Rep. Seth Moulton, (D-Mass), Rep. Angie Craig, (D-Minn) and Rep. Adam Smith (D- Wash), among others.

Grijalva called the campaign “precarious” and called on Biden to take responsibility for keeping the White House, while Moulton, a former presidential candidate, expressed doubts about Biden’s ability to beat Trump.

Craig, on the other hand, raised concerns about Biden’s performance in the debate and warned of a narrow window to pick a replacement, while Smith doubted Biden’s ability to effectively communicate his case to the American people.

Other prominent Democrats, including Rep. Mikie Sherrill, Rep. Pat Ryan and Rep. Earl Blumenauer, also urged Biden to step down as they emphasized the high stakes and the need to protect democracy.

Mistakes and health concerns

Biden’s recent gaffes, including confusing Vice President Kamala Harris with Donald Trump and mistaking Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for Russian President Vladimir Putin, have sparked criticism and raised questions about his age and clarity.

These slips have been widely ridiculed online and used by Republicans to undermine his campaign.

Health concerns were also a focus. Biden’s personal physician, Kevin O’Connor, recently weighed in on the Parkinson’s disease claims after a dismal debate performance.

Additionally, New York-based neurologist Dr. Tom Pitts, suggested that Biden exhibits “classic features of neurodegeneration” based on his public appearances.

While some prominent Democrats refrained from taking a definitive stance, others expressed their doubts. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has publicly endorsed Biden but has privately signaled he is open to a replacement. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and current House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries remained noncommittal.

Despite growing opposition, Biden still has staunch supporters. Vice President Kamala Harris and potential replacement candidates such as California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore have stood by him. The Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus also reaffirmed their support.

As the Democratic Party grapples with its own internal struggles and pressure mounts on Biden to step aside, the coming weeks will be critical in determining the party’s strategy for the 2024 election. With the stakes higher than ever, Democrats will want to present a united front capable of securing victory.