As more Democratic lawmakers publicly called for President Joe Biden to exit the 2024 presidential race, on Sunday (July 21), he officially dropped out.

"While it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for my term," Mr. Biden posted in a statement on social media. 

With months until the election and little time for a new nominee to step forward, this sets a precedent as the first time a sitting president and likely nominee have dropped out of a presidential race.

On Friday (July 19) the total number of Democrats who asked the 81-year-old to withdraw from the race grew to 32.

On Wednesday (July 17), Biden spoke with BET News about the election. He did not elude to dropping out of the race and commented on the media's ageism comments.

​​“I think the only thing age brings a little bit of wisdom. And I think I've demonstrated that I know how to get things done for the country… there's more to do, and I'm reluctant to walk away from that,” Biden said.

Biden took to his Instagram to endorse Vice-President Kamala Harris as the new presidential nominee.

"My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this," he stated.

This is a developing story.