In a surprising development, Rep. Mark Takano of California publicly urged President Joe Biden to drop out of the race against former President Donald Trump and instead endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party's presidential nominee. Takano's statement adds him to the growing list of Democrats on Capitol Hill calling for Biden to step aside.

Takano, who serves as the Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, emphasized the importance of Biden's role in saving democracy in 2020 and stated that he could do so again by passing the torch to Vice President Harris. He praised Harris for her ability to meet the demands of a modern campaign and seamlessly transition into the role of the party's standard-bearer.

This is not the first time Takano has expressed concerns about Biden's reelection bid. In a private meeting with House Democratic leadership back in July, Takano, along with other Democratic committee ranking members, voiced his apprehensions. However, this is the first official statement from Takano publicly endorsing Harris as the rightful heir to the top of the Democratic ticket.

Takano's endorsement of Harris aligns him with a faction within the party that believes she should lead the charge in the upcoming election. This faction also highlights the substantial campaign funds at Harris's disposal, as the Democratic war chest currently stands at a staggering $91 million. Meanwhile, other Democrats have expressed a desire for an open convention.

Since Biden's stumble in the June 27 debate against Trump, concerns about his age and ability to secure victory in November have created deep divisions within the Democratic Party. Numerous Democratic lawmakers, donors, and strategists have called for Biden to withdraw from the race, despite his resolute commitment to continuing on. However, some of Biden's allies are refraining from adding to the pressure campaign and are instead supporting whatever decision he makes.

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, for example, have been "deferential" regarding Biden's decision, according to sources familiar with their thinking. The Clintons have been actively working to maintain donor support for Biden and have assured the White House of their willingness to assist in any way possible.

Meanwhile, President Biden is still isolating with COVID-19 in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. The Biden campaign has adamantly rejected the mounting pressure for him to drop out and has pledged that the president will return to the campaign trail once he has recovered from the virus. Campaign spokesperson Michael Tyler confirmed that Biden is expected to resume campaigning next week.

In the absence of President Biden, Vice President Harris has taken on the responsibility of carrying the campaign's message. She is set to deliver remarks at a campaign fundraiser in Massachusetts and, according to NBC News, she recently reinforced her support for Biden during a call with Democratic donors.

As the rifts within the Democratic Party continue to widen, Rep. Takano's endorsement of Vice President Harris further intensifies the pressure on President Biden to reconsider his reelection bid. All eyes will now be on the president's decision as the Democratic Party grapples with its path forward in the 2024 election.