Rep. Dean Phillips, a Democrat running for president, says he won’t run for re-election to Congress
MINNEAPOLIS– Democratic Rep. Dean Phillips, who is running for president and challenging Joe Biden in the primaries, announced Friday that he will not seek re-election to Congress in 2024.
“My journey into the public sector began the morning after the 2016 election, when I was confronted with the reality that democracy requires participation – not observation,” the Minnesota congresswoman said in a statement.
“Seven years have passed, each offering historic opportunities to practice a form of optimistic politics that restores relationships and improves people’s lives. We have lived through those moments and after three terms it is time to pass the torch,” he added.
While Phillips is effusive in his praise for Biden, the 54-year-old also says Democrats need younger votes to avoid a scenario in which Trump wins another election next fall.
Several prominent Democrats — including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz — have criticized Phillips’ decision to run against Biden, likening it to a “political sideshow.”
Ken Martin, chairman of the Minnesota Democrats and vice chairman of the Democratic National Committee, said in a statement that he appreciates Phillips’ service and his “100% voting record in support of President Biden’s historic record.”
Martin added that there are a number of Democrats who “understand the importance of re-electing President Biden” and keeping the seat of Congress in Democratic hands. Martin said he is confident the party will have a “strong and loyal” candidate.
Anna Mathews, executive director of the Republican Party of Minnesota, said in a message to The Associated Press on Friday that “Dean Phillips has openly shared what no other Democrat will: Joe Biden’s failed policies will harm Democrats across the board.” world. ticket next year.”
She added that the Republican Party looks forward to returning Republican representation to voters in Minnesota’s 3rd Congressional District next November.
Phillips’ term in Congress expires on January 3, 2025.
He is a moderate from the largely affluent suburbs of Minneapolis. Before Phillips won the seat as a Democrat in 2018, the area had a history of electing Republicans to the U.S. House.
In October, Phillips became the first elected Democrat to challenge Biden for the nomination.
His election campaign poses a symbolic challenge to national Democrats who are trying to convey the idea that there is no reason to doubt the president’s electability — even as many Americans question whether the 81-year-old Biden should serve another term .
Phillips is one of the wealthiest members of Congress and heir to his stepfather’s Phillips Distilling Company empire, which controls major brands of vodka and schnapps. Phillips was once president of that company, but also ran the ice cream maker Talenti. His grandmother was the late Pauline Phillips, better known as the advice columnist “Dear Abby.”
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Trisha Ahmed is a staff member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @TrishaAhmed15