U.S. Rep. Brittany Pettersen, a Lakewood Democrat, on Friday called on Joe Biden to “pass the torch” to another candidate, becoming the first member of Colorado’s congressional delegation to declare the president should drop his reelection bid.

Calling her decision “painful,” the first-term lawmaker said Biden needs to step aside to increase the Democrats’ chances of defeating former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee.

“Joe Biden saved our country once, and I’m joining the growing number of people in my district and across the country to ask him to do it again,” Pettersen posted to X. “Please pass the torch to one of our many capable Democratic leaders so we have the best chance to defeat Donald Trump, who is the greatest threat to the foundation of this country that we have ever faced.”

Earlier this week, U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet stopped short of saying Biden should end his campaign, while warning that Trump is on a path to win the presidency in November, possibly “in a landslide,” in the wake of Biden’s weak performance in the June 27 presidential debate. Bennet said Biden’s falling prospects also risked Democrats losing control of both chambers of Congress, a potential outcome he called “staggering.”

“For me, this isn’t a question about polling, it’s not a question about politics — it’s a moral question for the future of our country,” Bennet told CNN’s Katilan Collins on Tuesday.

Pettersen’s statement arrived the morning after Biden held an hour-long news conference at the conclusion of a NATO summit in Washington. While Biden drew high marks for his command of complicated foreign policy topics, attention focused on some of the president’s trademark gaffes, including referring to Vice President Kamala Harris as “Vice President Trump.”

More than a dozen Democratic House members have called on Biden to exit the race since the debate, including three others who voiced their positions late Thursday following Biden’s press conference. So far, just one Democratic senator, Vermont’s Peter Welch, has urged Biden to step aside.

During Thursday’s press conference, Biden reiterated his vow to stay in the race.

“I think I’m the most qualified person to run for president,” Biden said. Referring to Trump, he added: “I beat him once, and I will beat him again.”

Pettersen, a former state lawmaker, represents the Democratic-leaning 7th Congressional District, which covers Jefferson County, Broomfield and mountain counties stretching as far south as Cañon City.

Like other Democrats who have called on Biden to withdraw, Pettersen decades-long record as president, vice president and U.S. senator from Delaware.

“President Biden is a good man who has served this country faithfully and admirably over his decades of service,” Pettersen said, adding that her work as an organizer on Biden’s 2008 presidential campaign was a “big reason” she pursued a career in public service.

“I have deep admiration and love for Joe Biden and all he has done for our country, which is why this decision is so painful, but my son and my constituents can’t suffer the consequences of inaction at this critical moment,” Pettersen said. “You have done so much for our country, and I know you will continue to do what’s right for our future.”