Louisiana's only Democrat in Congress stands behind Biden 100 percent: Here's why

Louisiana's only Democrat in Congress said he backs President Biden's reelection without qualification and will continue to stump for the president on the campaign trail even as some Democrats have signaled they would like Biden to step aside after his disastrous debate performance.

U.S. Rep. Troy Carter of New Orleans, who represents Louisiana's 2nd Congressional District, told USA Today Network the president's message to Democrats Monday set a confident tone for the campaign moving forward.

Biden sent a letter to Congressional Democrats this week reaffirming his commitment to the campaign.

"I am firmly committed to staying in this race, to running this race to the end, and to beating Donald Trump," Biden wrote.

"The president said what I hoped he'd say," Carter said in an interview with USA Today Network. "He is in the race to protect and defend our Democracy.

"He had a bad day with the debate; no question about it. But America under (Donald Trump) had a bad four years."

Carter said Biden has already rallied in events after the debate showing that he has the energy and passion to continue the campaign and a second term as president.

"I'm happy to hear that the president and Vice President Kamala Harris are committed to stay in the race and continue the incredible work they've done over the last three and a half years of his administration," said Carter, who is also running for reelection Nov. 5.

Carter rattled off a series of what he said are major Biden administration firt-term wins. Among them: the bipartisan infrastructure law; gun safety legislation; reduction in insulin prices; and relief for student loan borrowers.

"I can go on and on," Carter said. "These aren't pie-in-the-sky hopes; these are priorities that got done. And more will be done in the second term."

Carter emphasized his support with a post on X: "Don't fall for the Okey-Doke. Joe Biden & Kamala Harris have reclaimed our country from the extreme MAGA genda. Now, it's our turn to vote and fight for our future."

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Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1