Central Valley leaders weigh in on President Joe Biden’s candidacy

FRESNO, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – The U.S. General Election is a little over three months away, and now local leaders are weighing in on President Joe Biden’s candidacy.

Marsha Conant, First Vice Chair of the Fresno Democratic Party, will stand by Joe Biden, regardless of what comes next.

“But I also recognize that if there are people who are close to him that are calling for this, we need to look at it seriously,” Conant said.

Conant was surprised to read fellow Democrat, U.S. Congressman Jim Costa, statement.

“Because Congressman Costa has always been an advocate of President Biden,” Conant said.

His statement even gained national attention, airing on CBS’s RNC coverage.

“He said it’s time for President Biden to leave the race, he made the decision in the last hour, he said other democrats are moving in that direction,” said Robert Costa, CBS News chief election and campaign correspondent.

While it was hard for her to watch the presidential debate, she says she has faith in the president.

“I also have faith and recognize what a wonderful president he’s been for us in the last four years, and I don’t think we can dismiss that at all,” Conant said.

Since the debate, Conant says he seems more coherent.

“And then sometimes it boggles things, he’s always been a stutter, we know that.”

However, Fresno State Political Science Professor, Dr. Tom Holyoke believes Biden is not as sharp as he once was.

“He doesn’t seem to be as with it, as he used to be and forgetting things.”

Dr. Holyoke says if Biden steps down, it needs to happen fast.

“The pressure on President Biden’s been starting to grow pretty rapidly in the last few days.”

Biden announced Friday that he will return to the campaign trail next week, after isolating due to COVID-19.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.