Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota Announces Presidential Candidacy, Challenges President Biden in Democratic Primary Race
In a surprising turn of events, Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota has declared his candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination in the upcoming 2024 election. Phillips, 54, will formally launch his campaign on Friday in New Hampshire, where he will file to appear on the state’s primary ballot.
The announcement came during an exclusive interview with CBS News chief election & campaign correspondent Robert Costa for “CBS Mornings.” Phillips expressed his admiration for President Biden but emphasized the need for a new generation of Democratic leaders, especially with the potential of former President Donald Trump becoming the Republican nominee.
“I think President Biden has done a spectacular job for our country,” Phillips said. “But it’s not about the past. This is an election about the future.”
Phillips cited his concerns about a possible rematch between Trump and Biden, highlighting the importance of preventing another Trump term. “I will not sit still and not be quiet in the face of numbers that are so clearly saying that we’re going to be facing an emergency next November,” he stated, describing the situation as a crisis moment for American democracy.
Acknowledging the uphill battle he faces as many Democrats continue to support Biden, Phillips believes that some Democratic voters are looking for a generational contrast and a centrist message, which he aims to provide. He also encourages other Democrats to enter the race, believing that additional competition will strengthen the party’s nominee.
Phillips, who has served in the House of Representatives since 2018, spoke with Costa at his home in rural Middleburg, Virginia, on Thursday. On Friday, he will be in New Hampshire to meet the filing deadline for candidates to appear on the primary ballot and kick off a bus tour.
The news comes shortly after Mr. Biden’s reelection campaign notified New Hampshire Democrats that the president will not be appearing on the state’s primary ballot due to party guidelines. According to Mr. Biden’s proposed primary calendar, South Carolina will be the first state to hold a primary that awards delegates for the Democratic National Convention. However, New Hampshire’s state law mandates that it hosts the nation’s first primaries, creating a conflict with the DNC’s decision.
Costa’s interview with Phillips will air on “CBS Mornings” on Friday, October 27, providing further insight into Phillips’ campaign and his vision for the future of the Democratic Party.