Michigan House Democrat says Biden should step down as nominee

LANSING, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- A Michigan House Democrat is calling on President Biden to step down as the Democratic nominee.

State Representative Phil Skaggs (D-Grand Rapids) made several social media posts Tuesday morning saying Biden should be the bridge to a new generation of Democratic leaders and pass them the torch.

"I've reached the conclusion that the time has come for President Biden to be that bridge to a new generation of Democratic leaders and pass them the torch so we can defeat Donald Trump," Rep. Skaggs said in a social media post.

Rep. Skaggs cited Biden's recent performance in the first presidential debate, saying he was "unable to convince Americans that he is capable of defeating Trump this Fall."

Rep. Skaggs said he will support the Democratic nominee, but thinks it's important to have a nominee with the best possible chance to win.

Rep. Skaggs did not suggest any one particular Democrat to replace Biden as a nominee.

The names of Vice President Kamala Harris, California Governor Gavin Newsom and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer have been circulating in the time since the presidential debate as possible replacements for President Biden.

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President Biden vowed on July 3 to keep running for reelection despite the growing pressure from some Democrats to step down.

"Let me say this as clearly as I possibly can as simply and straightforward as I can: I am running no one’s pushing me out," Biden said on a call with staffers from his reelection campaign. "I’m not leaving. I’m in this race to the end and we’re going to win."

The general election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 5.