In a surprising move, Rep. Dean Phillips, the Minnesota Democrat who recently challenged President Joe Biden for the Democratic presidential nomination, has announced that he will not seek reelection to Congress in 2024. Phillips made the announcement on Friday, stating that "after three terms it is time to pass the torch."

In his statement, Phillips emphasized the need for unity, 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 expressed concern over what he sees as a crisis of cooperation, common sense, and truth gripping America. Despite stepping away from Congress, he remains optimistic about the future, urging others to have the courage to seek a brighter tomorrow.

However, Phillips' call for unity may not resonate with some of his fellow Democrats, as he faced criticism from within the party for challenging the incumbent president. Some Democrats have expressed their disapproval since Phillips mounted a longshot primary bid against Biden last month. President Biden himself has kept relatively silent regarding Phillips' challenge, with White House spokesman Andrew Bates emphasizing the president's appreciation for Phillips' support of the Biden-Harris legislative agenda.

Phillips' decision not to seek reelection comes amid reports that he has seen little support from major donors in his home state of Minnesota. According to CNBC, some previous financial backers have even asked for their donations to be returned. In addition, Phillips recently issued an apology for comments he made about Vice President Kamala Harris in an interview with The Atlantic. He acknowledged that referencing other people's opinions was a mistake and apologized to Harris and those who were affected by similar circumstances.

Having flipped Minnesota's Third Congressional District to blue in 2018 and winning his most recent election in 2022 by double digits, Phillips has been a significant figure in the Democratic Party. However, the announcement of his presidential campaign and decision not to seek reelection has opened the door for others to vie for his district. Democratic National Committee member Ron Harris has already launched a primary campaign for Phillips' seat.

As of now, Phillips remains focused on his presidential campaign and his bid to strengthen the Democratic ticket in light of polls showing low approval for President Biden and his administration. With former President Donald Trump leading the 2024 Republican primary race in several key states, Phillips aims to make a significant impact in the upcoming presidential election.

Phillips' current term in the House of Representatives will come to an end on January 3, 2025. The congressman's departure will undoubtedly impact the makeup of Congress moving forward, as Democrats seek to maintain their majority and address the ongoing challenges facing the nation.