Rep. Dean Phillips, a Democrat running for president, says he won’t run for re-election to Congress

Democratic Representative Dean Phillips, who is currently running for the presidency and challenging Joe Biden in the primary, made an announcement on Friday regarding his decision not to seek reelection to Congress in 2024. In a statement, the Minnesota congressman reflected on his journey into public service, which began after the 2016 election. He emphasized the importance of active participation in democracy rather than passive observation.

Over the past seven years, Phillips has seized historic opportunities to practice a brand of optimistic politics aimed at repairing relationships and enhancing people’s lives. After serving three terms in Congress, he believes it is time to pass the torch to new leaders.

While Phillips has expressed admiration for President Biden, he also underscores the need for younger voices within the Democratic party to prevent the possibility of another Trump victory in the upcoming election.

His decision to challenge Biden in the primary has garnered criticism from prominent Democrats, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who likened it to a “political sideshow.” However, Ken Martin, the chair of Minnesota Democrats and a Democratic National Committee vice chair, acknowledged Phillips’ service and his consistent support for President Biden’s accomplishments. Martin is confident that the party will have a strong and loyal nominee to maintain Democratic control of Phillips’ congressional seat.

Anna Mathews, the executive director of the Republican Party of Minnesota, believes that Phillips has been openly highlighting the potential negative impact of President Biden’s policies on Democrats in the upcoming election. The state’s GOP is eager to regain Republican representation in Minnesota’s 3rd Congressional District in the next November election.

Dean Phillips, known for his moderate stance and representing the well-to-do suburbs of Minneapolis, is one of the wealthiest members of Congress. He inherited the Phillips Distilling Company empire from his stepfather, which includes major vodka and schnapps brands. Phillips also had experience as the company’s president and previously ran the gelato maker Talenti. Notably, his grandmother was the late Pauline Phillips, famous as the advice columnist “Dear Abby.”

Phillips’ term in Congress will conclude on January 3, 2025. His presidential run symbolically challenges the national Democratic narrative of President Biden’s electability, especially as some Americans question whether the 81-year-old president should serve another term.

Trisha Ahmed is a corps member for the Big Big News/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative, a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to cover under-covered issues.

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