BISMARCK, N.D. (NewsDakota.com/KFGO/North Dakota Monitor) – Democratic-NPL candidates running for federal office in North Dakota are urging President Joe Biden to step down from the 2024 presidential race.

U.S. Senate candidate Katrina Christiansen argued that Biden lacks the ability to defeat former President Donald Trump. She suggested that Republicans need Biden to remain on the ticket because he is their “boogeyman.”

Dem-NPL U.S. House candidate Trygve Hammer echoed Christiansen’s call, stating that Democrats need a new presidential candidate.

The candidates are joining a group of Democratic U.S. lawmakers who have urged Biden to withdraw following what some viewed as a poor performance in the first debate, according to States Newsroom.

Christiansen accused Trump of dishonesty and aligning with some of the world’s dictators.

She acknowledged Biden’s positive impact on the nation’s economic growth, unemployment rate, and investments in innovation but noted his abilities have diminished.

Christiansen is challenging Republican incumbent Sen. Kevin Cramer in the November election. Hammer will face off against Republican candidate Julie Fedorchak for the state’s at-large U.S. House seat.

Dem-NPL gubernatorial candidate Merrill Piepkorn declined to comment on the calls for Biden to withdraw. He noted that North Dakota Democrats elected committeemen and women at their nominating convention to serve as the state’s representatives at the Democratic National Convention, placing the decision in their hands.

Piepkorn is running against Republican U.S. House Rep. Kelly Armstrong and independent candidate Michael Coachman in the November general election.