As dozens of Democratic officials have called for Joe Biden to drop out of the presidential race, City Desk ABQ reached out to the New Mexico’s congressional delegation to ask: do you think Biden should step aside or are you continuing to support him?
Biden should step aside
Sen. Martin Heinrich
“Joe Biden is one of the most accomplished presidents in modern history. He has led our nation through unprecedented challenges with unwavering dedication and profound integrity. His years of service have made a lasting impact on the lives of countless Americans.
However, this moment in our nation’s history calls for a focus that is bigger than any one person. The return of Donald Trump to the White House poses an existential danger to our democracy. We must defeat him in November, and we need a candidate who can do that.
While the decision to withdraw from the campaign is President Biden’s alone, I believe it is in the best interests of our country for him to step aside. By passing the torch, he would secure his legacy as one of our nation’s greatest leaders and allow us to unite behind a candidate who can best defeat Donald Trump and safeguard the future of our democracy.”
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Rep. Gabe Vasquez
“President Joe Biden is an honorable public servant who has dedicated his career to bettering the lives of all Americans. We owe him a great debt of gratitude for his time serving our nation.
However, I believe too many of our fundamental freedoms and the wellbeing of our nation are at risk under a Trump presidency and President Biden should step aside to give Democrats the best opportunity to win this November. With abortion rights under attack and our Democracy at stake, we must unite to defeat Donald Trump and MAGA extremists.
“But make no mistake, regardless of who our nominee is, my number one job will be to take care of the people of my district and continue bringing results home to New Mexico.”
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Supporting Biden:
Rep. Melanie Stansbury
“I stand with our President and the Biden-Harris Campaign. Donald Trump is the greatest threat to our democracy and must be defeated in November. He is a liar, felon, and con man. He lies about the pandemic which led to millions of deaths. He lies about his treatment of veterans, who he called ‘suckers’ and ‘losers’.
He lies about the economy and his jobs record. He lies about project 2025 which will gut Social Security and Medicare and ban abortions nationwide.
This November I’m committed to doing everything in my power to reelect Joe Biden and defend our democracy at the ballot box.”
Statement is unclear or did not respond:
Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández
“Trump’s Project 2025 is a threat to our democracy, but Republicans aren’t waiting until next year. In recent weeks, extreme Republicans in the House passed bills carrying out their grim vision for the country. Their bills would limit American citizens’ access to voting—including our military service members—while protecting appliances instead of women’s reproductive rights and favor the wealthiest corporations over consumers or our planet.
I am focused on making sure extremists, like convicted felon Donald Trump, cannot implement their plans come 2025.
These sinvergüenzas want to take away reproductive freedom in New Mexico and nationwide, eliminate the Department of Education, and cut funding to up to 86% of New Mexico schools, all while giving unchecked power to Trump—who now has immunity to be a dictator on day one. Their plans would give away billions to the wealthiest corporations and CEOs while they eliminate Head Start.
I am also focused on creating prosperity for all New Mexicans. That means helping young people buy their first homes, lowering the cost of medicine, improving roads and aging infrastructure in our region, and protecting our beautiful planet—just like Democrats did when we had a majority in the House and Senate.”
Sen. Ben Ray Luján
Did not respond. This will be updated if he does.