Rep. Morgan McGarvey says Biden should not be Democrats' nominee for president

Democratic Rep. Morgan McGarvey is joining dozens of Democrats in calling for President Joe Biden to step aside as the presidential nominee.

McGarvey released a statement Friday afternoon that said while Biden is an "empathetic and effective leader," the stakes are too high and the party can't risk the focus of the campaign being anything other than defeating former president Donald Trump.

"That’s why there is no joy in the recognition he should not be our nominee in November," McGarvey said. "But the stakes of this election are too high and we can’t risk the focus of the campaign being anything other than Donald Trump, his MAGA extremists, and the mega-wealthy dark money donors who are prepared to destroy our path toward a more perfect union with Trump’s Project 2025. We can’t allow them to succeed."

McGarvey previously told the Courier Journal the party was having "serious conversations" on Biden's candidacy.

The number of Democrats calling for Biden to step aside is growing, with at least eight Democrats joining the list that includes a handful of high-profile celebrities, media personalities and donors.

“This November, we have to defeat Donald Trump, flip the House, and protect the Senate," McGarvey said. "The future of the Supreme Court, protecting access to healthcare, a woman’s right to choose, and combating climate change are among the critical issues at stake."

President Biden is a good man who cares deeply about the American people. I trust that he will do what’s best for the nation, and we will come together as Democrats to move the country forward.”

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Congressman Morgan McGarvey says Joe Biden should not be nominee