President Biden insists he’s not going anywhere, even as some Democrats’ question whether he can win in November in the face of mounting concerns over his health and stamina. 

Speculation has swelled in recent days, following a wanting debate performance against Republican rival former President Trump last month, as well as attempts to regain confidence from Democratic lawmakers and voters that have fallen short.

Multiple sources told The Hill they thought it unlikely that Biden would still be in the race after the weekend, but his campaign pushed back on reports that the incumbent’s exit was imminent. 

A defiant Biden, 81, reaffirmed on Friday that he’ll be back campaigning as soon as he’s cleared after testing positive for COVID-19 this week.  

“I look forward to getting back on the campaign trail next week to continue exposing the threat of Donald Trump’s Project 2025 agenda while making the case for my own record and the vision that I have for America: one where we save our democracy, protect our rights and freedoms, and create opportunity for everyone,” he said in a statement released by his campaign.

“The stakes are high, and the choice is clear. Together, we will win.” 

Floodgates opening: Despite Biden remaining steadfast on staying in the race, more Democrats are joining the chorus calling for his exit, worried that it’s too late to bounce back from negative public perception, sagging poll numbers and devastating fundraising blows. 

New Mexico’s Martin Heinrich became the third Senate Democrat to say the president should step aside on Friday, following the lead of Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.), who is locked in a tight reelection campaign for a fourth term, who urged Biden to drop out a day earlier. 

Eight more House Democrats also came forward Friday to call for Biden to reconsider his reelection campaign. 

Reps. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Marc Veasey (D-Texas), Jesús “Chuy” García (D-Ill.) and Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) said in a joint statement while they admire and respect Biden, the president “must face the reality that widespread public concerns about your age and fitness are jeopardizing what should be a winning campaign.” 

Reps. Greg Landsman (D-Ohio), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Sean Casten (D-Ill.) and Betty McCollum (D-Minn.) also urged the president to step down.

👀  Keep up with the latest via The Hill/Decision Desk HQ’s Biden Drop Out Tracker.