Colorado Democratic Congresswoman asks Biden to ‘pass the torch’

U.S. Rep. Brittany Pettersen, a Democrat serving Colorado’s 7th District, on Friday asked President Joe Biden to “pass the torch” to another Democratic candidate to run for the office.

“With deep appreciation and love, @joebiden please pass the torch,” Pettersen posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

Pettersen’s statement follows Tuesday’s assessment by U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colorado, who didn’t ask for Biden to drop out but told CNN the race “is on a trajectory that is very worrisome if you care about the future of this country.”

The announcement comes hours after Biden held a press conference at the conclusion of the NATO summit in Washington, D.C., where he repeated his intentions to stay in the race.

Pettersen, in her first term, said working on Biden’s 2008 presidential campaign led her to public service.

“I have deep admiration and love for Joe Biden and all he has done for our country, which is why this decision is so painful, but my son and my constituents can’t suffer the consequences of inaction at this critical moment,” Pettersen said in statement posted.

Pettersen serves on the House Financial Services Committee, which oversees the housing and financial services sectors. She also serves on a subcommittee on housing and insurance and a subcommittee on national security, illicit finance and international financial institutions.

“Joe Biden saved our country once, and I’m joining the growing number of people in my district and across the country to ask him to do it again,” Pettersen said. “Please pass the torch to one of our many capable Democratic leaders so we have the best chance to defeat Donald Trump, who is the greatest threat to the foundation of this country that we have ever faced.”

Pettersen grew up in Jefferson County and served in the Colorado General Assembly for 10 years, according to her Congressional web page. She’s the first woman to represent the 7th District, which includes Jefferson, Broomfield, Lake, Park, Teller, Chaffee, Fremont and Custer Counties. She lives in Lakewood with her husband, Ian, and their son, Davis.

“I want to thank President Biden from the bottom of my heard and on behalf of every resident of Colorado’s 7th Congressional District,” Pettersen said. “You have done so much for our country, and I know you will continue to do what’s right for our future.”