Iowa Democratic congressional candidates feel relief as Biden drops out

DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa Democratic congressional candidates are relieved that the party can focus on the future instead of the past.

“And then relief that we can move forward as a party and start to unite. I personally have never called for President Biden to step down,” said Ryan Melton, the Democratic nominee for IA-04, after thanking incumbent President Joe Biden for what he had done, acknowledging that it was likely a very difficult decision.

Two of the four who challenged the Republican delegation to Congress called for Biden’s resignation nearly two weeks ago. Sarah Corkery and Christina Bohannan both called on Biden to resign for the betterment of the party.

“But what really drove me to speak on the 11th was when so many people I know personally, who have volunteered for the party for decades, felt like they couldn’t even say the words out loud,” said Sarah Corkery, Democratic candidate for IA-02. “‘I’m concerned that President Biden is our nominee,’ and when they felt like they whispered it in my ear, I thought, ‘This is not the party we should be. We should be able to talk about this openly, voice our concerns, and find a path forward.’”

Both Melton and Bohannan agreed that Vice President Harris would be a great addition to the party at the top of the ticket if she ultimately becomes the nominee. Both also said that delegates should honor Biden’s victory in the Iowa caucuses, since she served with him at the time.

Christina Bohannan, candidate for IA-02, and Lanon Baccam, candidate for IA-03, have not yet responded to President Biden’s withdrawal.