In a significant development, Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) has become the first Democratic lawmaker to publicly call on President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. Doggett, who has served in the House since 1995, made the announcement in a statement on Tuesday, July 2, 2024.

Doggett praised Biden for his leadership but noted that he is running behind former President Donald Trump and even Democratic senators in many polls. He said there is too much at stake to risk putting a "criminal" back in the White House.

"President Biden saved our democracy by delivering us from Trump in 2020. He must not deliver us to Trump in 2024," Doggett said.

Doggett also pointed to Monday's Supreme Court decision, issued in response to Trump's indictment for trying to steal the 2020 election, awarding the president immunity from prosecution for any "official" acts he undertakes as president.

"Recognizing that, unlike Trump, President Biden's first commitment has always been to our country, not himself, I am hopeful that he will make the painful and difficult decision to withdraw," Doggett said.

Doggett's call comes as Democrats are increasingly concerned about Biden's ability to win in November. Some have suggested that Biden may be unfit for another term.

Democratic Rep. Jim Clyburn, a prominent Biden ally, said in an interview on MSNBC that he "will support" Vice President Kamala Harris if Biden steps aside, and under no circumstances should the party attempt to sidestep the incumbent vice president for another candidate.

The call for Biden to step aside is likely to spark further debate within the Democratic Party about the best way forward in the 2024 presidential race.