Top Milwaukee Democrats stick with Biden even as worries continue in D.C.

Milwaukee's top Democrats are continuing to stick by President Joe Biden even as more top party leaders are raising concerns about Biden's ability to beat former President Donald Trump in November.

The calls for the 81-year-old to leave the race began after his disastrous performance at the candidates' first debate last month.

On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., became the most prominent Democratic lawmaker to call on Biden to drop out of the 2024 election over concerns he can't beat Trump in November.

President Joe Biden (facing) greets Gov. Tony Evers (left), Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023. President Biden will deliver remarks Wednesday at the Wisconsin Black Chamber of Commerce in Milwaukee centering on how his economic policies have led to recent business growth in underrepresented communities.

But in Milwaukee, the support for Biden continues.

Mayor Cavalier Johnson, a Democrat and ardent Biden supporter, has continued to stick by Biden even as other Democrats have called for or privately urged the president to step aside.

He said Thursday that he's looking forward to taking part in the Democratic National Convention next month in Chicago and re-nominating Biden to run for a second term in the White House.

“The upcoming November election is extremely, extremely important for the future of America,” he said.

Crowley, who spoke at a morning press conference beside Biden-Harris campaign staff, also doubled down on his support for Biden. He urged voters to remember the Jan. 6 riots and the push to overturn the election in several states, including a pointed attempt in Milwaukee County.

"Now my fellow Wisconsinites and myself know that we're going to vote and we're going to vote to keep (Biden) there in November," he said. "Because we know exactly what is on the mind. We know that we have to protect our democracy because there is no other option."

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley speaks at a press conference held by the Biden-Harris campaign team on July 18, 2025.
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley speaks at a press conference held by the Biden-Harris campaign team on July 18, 2025.

The Biden-Harris team repeatedly said during the press conference that Biden is doing well despite testing positive for COVID.

Laura Schulte can be reached at [email protected]. Alison Dirr can be reached at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Top Milwaukee Democrats stick with Biden as worries continue in D.C.