Schneider, Sorensen Latest Illinois Democrats to Ask Biden to Step Aside
Congressman Brad Schneider (D-Highland Park) became the second Democrat in the Illinois congressional delegation to call for President Biden to leave the race Thursday. Congressman Eric Sorensen (D-Moline) followed a few hours later.
NOTE: This story was originally posted for subscribers only. To receive subscriber-only newsletters and content, click here.
After Congressman Mike Quigley (D-Chicago) last week became the first member of the Illinois congressional delegation to call on President Joe Biden to leave the race for the White House, a second and third Illinois Democrat joined him Thursday.
Congressman Brad Schneider (D-Highland Park) and Congressman Eric Sorensen (D-Moline) also joined the calls for Biden to step aside.
In a lengthy statement, Schneider sang Biden’s praises, but also asked for the 81-year-old president not to seek re-election.
“I love Joe Biden. I was proud to be the first member of the Illinois delegation to endorse his candidacy five years ago. I knew then he would be a great president and he has proven me right,” Schneider said. “President Biden now has the opportunity to secure his legacy and boldly deliver the nation to a new generation of leadership.”
Saying a second Trump administration “will tear apart our economy and threaten our national security,” Schneider said Biden can “build” on his success the past four years.
“In passing the torch now, President Biden has a chance to live up to seal his place in history as one of the greatest leaders our nation, and history, has ever known,” Schneider said. “He can lead the transition of power to a new generation that can build a stronger party and a stronger nation. I fear if he fails to make the right choice, our democracy will hang in the balance.”
Sorensen, who last week dodged multiple questions about Biden in a television interview, followed suit Thursday.
“In 2020, Joe Biden ran for President with the purpose of putting country over party. Today, I am asking him to do that again,” Sorensen said in a statement. “I believe our best days are still ahead. And today, I am hopeful President Biden will step aside in his campaign for President.”
Sorensen is locked in a battle for re-election in the moderate-leaning 17th District that covers much of the northwestern part of the state and parts of Bloomington-Normal, Peoria, the Quad Cities, and Rockford. He faces retired Winnebago County Judge Joe McGraw in November.
Sen. Dick Durbin has repeatedly questioned Biden’s viability this week, while Sen. Tammy Duckworth told reporters in Washington Thursday she’s continuing to support Biden.
“He’s our President, he’s our nominee,” Duckworth was quoted.
Schneider issued his statement hours before Biden’s post-NATO summit news conference Thursday evening. Sorensen’s statement came after.
Here’s a breakdown of Illinois Democratic members of congress other than Quigley, Schneider, and Sorensen:
FOR BIDEN
Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-Chicago)
Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Matteson)
Rep. Danny Davis (D-Chicago)
Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Evanston)
Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-Springfield)
UNCOMMITTED/NO STATEMENT
Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Chicago)
Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (D-Chicago)
Rep. Sean Casten (D-Downers Grove)
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Schaumburg)
Rep. Bill Foster (D-Naperville)
Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Naperville)
