HOUSTON — Pressure continues to mount on President Joe Biden to drop out of the presidential race after his dismal debate night last week. That debate performance raised more questions about the president's health and fitness for office.
Now, a Democrat in Congress is urging Biden to step aside.
Rep. Lloyd Doggett is the first Democratic congressman to go public, but for now he stands alone.
The Democrats that make up Houston's Congressional delegation said they're sticking with Biden.
Meanwhile, President Biden was back out in public Tuesday talking about climate change while his political future remains under fire.
"We understand, we're not taking away from what you all saw, or what the American people saw," said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. "We understand it was a bad night."
Congressman Doggett was on CNN Tuesday night discussing his decision to go public against the president.
"I salute President Biden, I just feel that it's time for him to step aside," said Doggett.
Congressman Al Green sees it differently.
"I'm not one bit phased by the debate, one debate does not a campaign make," said Green.
He admits the president had a poor debate, but he said Biden's record still makes him the best person to beat Trump again.
"I'll be with him until he says otherwise," said Green. "I'm siding with 'old Joe Biden'. And I say old, because he's old, but he's effective."
Still, cracks are growing in Biden's support among top Democrats and donors. Biden will work to try and tamp down those growing worries Wednesday when he meets with Democratic governors and Congressional leaders.
Biden is set to accept his party's nomination in Chicago in just 48 days.
"I believe he's the best candidate we can have without creating chaos like we've never seen before," said Green.
KHOU 11 News reached out to every Democrat in Congress from the Houston area. Here are their responses:
Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher:
“President Biden has delivered for our country and has a record of meaningful accomplishments from his Presidency and his lifetime of public service. President Trump has a record of undermining our democracy and our freedoms. The 2024 election presents a choice between two very different visions for our future: President Biden’s vision that moves America forward for all of the American people, or President Trump’s vision of that reverses our progress, denies our freedom, and divides our country. It’s clear which candidate is best for America and Americans.”
Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia:
“I respect Rep. Doggett’s position but it is one I do not share. I am supporting Joe Biden and Kamala Harris and will work hard to get them reelected.”
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee tweeted support for the President on 'X'.