U.S. Representative Marc Veasey, D-Fort Worth, has called for President Joe Biden to step aside as the Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential election. Veasey, a prominent figure in Texas politics and a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, has joined a growing chorus of Democrats who believe that Biden’s age and perceived lack of fitness are jeopardizing what should otherwise be a winning campaign.
This announcement came as part of a joint statement issued on Friday by Veasey and three other House Democrats: Jared Huffman of California, Chuy Garcia of Illinois, and Mark Pocan of Wisconsin. The statement praised Biden’s record but stressed the need for new leadership. “At this point… we must face the reality that widespread public concerns about your age and fitness are jeopardizing what should be a winning campaign,” it read.
Veasey’s call is particularly significant as he is the first member of the Congressional Black Caucus to publicly ask Biden to withdraw. While other Texas members of the CBC, such as Reps. Jasmine Crockett of Dallas and Sheila Jackson Lee of Houston, have been vocal in their support for Biden, Veasey’s stance represents a notable departure.
This move places Veasey in the national spotlight during a crucial election year, particularly as he faces a competitive race for his seat in U.S. House District 33. His Republican opponent, Patrick Gillespie, has been mounting a strong campaign, hoping to capitalize on any perceived weaknesses among the Democratic incumbents.
Patrick Gillespie, a seasoned candidate, brings a robust background to the race. Born in Huntington, West Virginia, Gillespie has lived in Texas for many years. He graduated from Huntington High School and attended Marshall University. His career includes work as a technical writer at several major companies, including Boeing, BAE Systems, American Airlines, and Flextronics International. Gillespie has also served as vice president of Local Lodge 2768 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Union.
Gillespie’s campaign focuses on conservative principles and a strong critique of current Democratic policies. His campaign page outlines his positions on various issues, including immigration, foreign policy, climate change, and gun violence. He advocates for strict immigration controls, citing the need to vet immigrants properly and prevent what he describes as an invasion of illegal crossings. Gillespie also emphasizes the importance of a strong national defense and economic policies aimed at curbing foreign influence and protecting American interests.
One of Gillespie’s key arguments is the need to address the country’s significant challenges, such as the federal debt and the fentanyl crisis. He criticizes “woke” policies in education and calls for balanced budgets and fiscal responsibility. His stance on gun violence focuses on enforcing existing laws and improving mental health care rather than implementing new restrictions on gun ownership.
Veasey’s decision to call for Biden to step aside could have significant implications for his re-election campaign. District 33, while heavily Democratic in voter registration, could see a shift if Democratic voters are disillusioned by the national party’s leadership struggles. In the 2022 election, Veasey defeated Gillespie by a wide margin, securing 72% of the vote to Gillespie’s 25%. However, this year’s political climate is different, with heightened tensions and a more energized Republican base.
The district itself is one of the most gerrymandered in Texas, snaking its way through various parts of Fort Worth, Carrollton, and Arlington. This unique geographic makeup makes it a challenging district to campaign in, as candidates must address the diverse concerns of its residents.
Gillespie’s campaign is banking on a strong turnout from Republican voters and hoping to sway independent and moderate voters who may be disillusioned with the current Democratic leadership. Early voting for the election begins on October 21, 2024, and runs through November 1, 2024, with Election Day set for November 5, 2024.
Veasey’s call for Biden to step aside is a gamble that could either solidify his position as a leader willing to take bold stances or alienate some of his core supporters. As the election approaches, all eyes will be on District 33 to see how this dramatic move will play out and whether it will influence the broader political landscape in Texas and beyond.
For now, Veasey’s statement reflects a growing sentiment among some Democrats that new leadership is needed to secure a victory in the 2024 presidential race. Whether this sentiment will resonate with voters in District 33 and across the country remains to be seen. As the campaign unfolds, Veasey and Gillespie will continue to vie for the support of their constituents, each hoping to emerge victorious in a year that promises to be one of the most pivotal in recent memory.