Rep. Adam Schiff calls for Biden to end his 2024 candidacy

What he's saying: "While the choice to withdraw from the campaign is President Biden's alone, I believe it is time for him to pass the torch," Schiff said in a statement, which was first reported by the Los Angeles Times.

• In withdrawing, Schiff added, Biden could "secure his legacy of leadership by allowing us to defeat Donald Trump in the upcoming election."
• "A second Trump presidency will undermine the very foundation of our democracy, and I have serious concerns about whether the President can defeat Donald Trump in November," he said.

Between the lines: Schiff's comments follow a brief interlude in the aftermath of the Trump shooting in which Democratic lawmakers said Biden's candidacy was not their priority.

• Schiff, who is the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in California, was recorded saying of Biden at a fundraiser before the shooting: "I think if he is our nominee, I think we lose."

• But a fight over plans to virtually nominate Biden ahead of the Democratic convention in August thrust that conversation back to the forefront of lawmakers' minds on Tuesday.

The other side: A Biden campaign official pointed to Biden repeatedly emphasizing that he will not drop out of the race.

• They also noted that he has received support from dozens of House and Senate Democrats and is currently campaigning with multiple Congressional Black Caucus members.

Go deeper: These congressional Democrats are demanding Biden withdraw