Rep. Dean Phillips Announces He Will Not Seek Reelection in 2024
Democratic representative for Minnesota, Rep. Dean Phillips announced on Friday that he will not seek reelection to Congress in 2024. Phillips, who recently challenged President Joe Biden for their party’s presidential nomination, made the announcement, stating that “After three terms it is time to pass the torch.”
In a statement, Phillips emphasized the need for unity and cooperation, stating that “No party has a monopoly on solutions, and we must stop fighting one another and begin fighting for one another – before it is too late.” He further warned that America is currently facing a “crisis of cooperation, common sense, and truth.” Phillips expressed optimism for the future, urging for courage and the choice to seek a brighter future.
However, the congressman’s call for unity has not resonated with some of his fellow Democrats, who have criticized him since he mounted a longshot primary bid against President Biden last month. White House spokesman, Andrew Bates, stated that “Congressman Phillips has voted for nearly 100% of President Biden’s policies, and the President will miss his support for the Biden-Harris legislative agenda.”
Phillips had previously expressed his intentions to run for president to strengthen the Democratic ticket in light of polls indicating low approval for President Biden and his administration. Meanwhile, recent surveys have shown former President Donald Trump, the frontrunner in the 2024 Republican primary, beating Biden in several key primary states.
In recent events, Phillips issued an apology for comments he made regarding Vice President Kamala Harris. The comments had sparked a Democratic backlash, leading Phillips to issue an apology, stating that he “shouldn’t have referenced other people’s opinions” and expressing regret to Harris and those affected by his statements.
Phillips, who flipped his Minnesota’s Third Congressional District blue in 2018 and won his most recent election in 2020 by double digits, is a member of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus. His current term in the House ends on January 3, 2025.
The announcement of Phillips’ decision not to seek reelection has sparked conversations about the future of the Democratic Party and the upcoming 2024 elections. With Phillips stepping back from Congress, it remains to be seen how the party dynamics will shift and the impact it will have on the 2024 election.
