MINNEAPOLIS - Minnesota Congressman and Democratic presidential candidate, Dean Phillips, announced on Friday that he will not seek reelection to Congress in 2024. The decision comes as Phillips aims to challenge Joe Biden in the upcoming primary.

Phillips, 54, expressed his commitment to public service following the 2016 election, emphasizing the necessity of active participation for the strengthening of democracy. While he has been vocal in his praise for President Biden, Phillips believes that younger voices within the Democratic Party are crucial to prevent another victory by former President Donald Trump in the next election.

However, Phillips' decision to run against Biden has drawn criticism from influential figures within the party, such as Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who likened it to a "political side show." Nonetheless, Ken Martin, chair of Minnesota Democrats and a Democratic National Committee vice chair, commended Phillips for his service and his consistent support of President Biden's accomplishments during his time in Congress.

Martin assured that there are several Democrats who understand the importance of reelecting President Biden and maintaining Democratic control over Phillips' congressional seat. He expressed confidence that the party will field a strong and loyal nominee for the position.

The executive director of the Republican Party of Minnesota, Anna Mathews, seized the opportunity to criticize Biden's policies through Phillips' decision. Mathews stated that Phillips has been outspoken about the detrimental impact of Biden's failed policies on Democrats in the upcoming election. She added that the state's GOP is looking forward to regaining Republican representation in Minnesota's 3rd Congressional District in November.

Phillips, known as a moderate and hailing from the affluent suburbs of Minneapolis, won the congressional seat as a Democrat in 2018, which had historically elected Republicans to the U.S. House. Being the first elected Democrat to challenge Biden for the nomination, Phillips symbolically challenges national Democrats who seek to project the idea of Biden's unwavering electability. However, there have been growing concerns among Americans about whether the 81-year-old Biden should serve another term.

Phillips, who is one of the wealthiest members of Congress and an heir to the Phillips Distilling Company empire, will conclude his term in Congress on January 3, 2025. Prior to his political career, Phillips served as the president of the distillery and also had experience at a gelato manufacturing company.

As the 2024 presidential election draws nearer, Dean Phillips' decision to forego reelection and focus on his presidential bid adds another dynamic to the evolving political landscape. Voters in Minnesota's 3rd Congressional District will have the opportunity to choose a new representative, while Phillips endeavors to secure the Democratic nomination in a field that includes President Biden.

(Photo by Reba Saldanha/Reuters)