Current:Home > FinanceRep. Dean Phillips, a Democrat running for president, says he won’t run for re-election to Congress -Wealth Legacy Solutions
Rep. Dean Phillips, a Democrat running for president, says he won’t run for re-election to Congress
View
Date:2025-04-13 01:32:15
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Democratic Rep. Dean Phillips, who is running for president and challenging Joe Biden in the primary, announced Friday he will not seek reelection to Congress in 2024.
“My journey to public service began the morning after the 2016 election, when I faced the reality that democracy requires participation - not observation,” the Minnesota congressman said in a statement.
“Seven years have passed, each presenting historic opportunities to practice a brand of optimistic politics that repairs relationships and improves people’s lives. We have met those moments, and after three terms it is time to pass the torch,” he added.
While Phillips has been effusive in his praise for Biden, the 54-year-old also says Democrats need younger voices to avoid a scenario where Trump wins another election next fall.
Several prominent Democrats — including Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz — have criticized Phillips’ decision to run against Biden, likening it to a “political side show.”
Ken Martin, chair of Minnesota Democrats and a Democratic National Committee vice chair, said in a statement he appreciates Phillips’ service and his “100% voting record supporting President Biden’s historic record of accomplishments.”
Martin added there are a number of Democrats who “understand the importance of reelecting President Biden” and keeping Phillips’ congressional seat in Democratic hands. Martin said he is confident the party will have a “strong and loyal” nominee.
Anna Mathews, executive director of the Republican Party of Minnesota, said in a Friday message to The Associated Press that “Dean Phillips has been openly sharing what no other Democrat will: Joe Biden’s failed policies are going to be detrimental to Democrats up and down the ticket next year.”
She added the state’s GOP looks forward to bringing Republican representation back to voters in Minnesota’s 3rd Congressional District next November.
Phillips’ term in Congress will end on Jan. 3, 2025.
He is a moderate from the largely well-to-do 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 run offers a symbolic challenge to national Democrats trying to project 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 holds major vodka and schnapps brands. Phillips once served as that company’s president but also ran the gelato maker Talenti. His grandmother was the late Pauline Phillips, better known as the advice columnist “Dear Abby.”
___
Trisha Ahmed is a corps 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 under-covered issues. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @TrishaAhmed15
veryGood! (51475)
Related
- Trump issues order to ban transgender troops from serving openly in the military
- How to launder $600 million on the internet
- See Ariana Madix Lay Down the Law in Trailer for Her First Acting Role Since Scandoval
- Ketanji Brown Jackson warns nation to confront history at church bombing anniversary event
- Arkansas State Police probe death of woman found after officer
- Rep. Adam Smith calls GOP's Biden impeachment inquiry a ridiculous step - The Takeout
- Riverdale’s Lili Reinhart Shares Update on her “Crazy” Body Dysmorphia and OCD Struggles
- The Biggest Revelations From Jill Duggar's Book Counting the Cost
- Pregnant Kylie Kelce Shares Hilarious Question Her Daughter Asked Jason Kelce Amid Rising Fame
- Climate change could bring more storms like Hurricane Lee to New England
Ranking
- Buckingham Palace staff under investigation for 'bar brawl'
- North Korea’s Kim Jong Un inspects Russian bombers and a warship on a visit to Russia’s Far East
- Aaron Rodgers' season-ending injury reignites NFL players' furor over turf
- UNESCO puts 2 locations in war-ravaged Ukraine on its list of historic sites in danger
- 'Survivor' 47 finale, part one recap: 2 players were sent home. Who's left in the game?
- New Mexico governor amends gun order to allow for firearms in most public places
- A judge rules Ohio can’t block Cincinnati gun ordinances, but state plans to appeal
- A Jan. 6 rioter was convicted and sentenced in secret. No one will say why
Recommendation
What to know about Tuesday’s US House primaries to replace Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz
Brazil restores stricter climate goals
Connecticut alderman facing charges in Jan. 6 riot defeats incumbent GOP mayor after primary recount
Tinder wants to bring Saweetie to your college campus. How to enter 'Swipe Off' challenge.
Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
Katharine McPhee, David Foster break silence on their nanny's death
The Biggest Revelations From Jill Duggar's Book Counting the Cost
A preacher to death row inmates says he wants to end executions. Critics warn he’s only seeking fame