U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips Challenges President Joe Biden For Democratic Presidential Nomination

U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) announced his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination on Thursday, challenging incumbent President Joe Biden. Phillips, 54, has been a vocal critic of Biden’s re-election bid, citing a need for a younger leader to replace the 80-year-old president.

In his announcement, Phillips said he was compelled to run due to the “numbers that are so clearly saying that we’re going to be facing an emergency next November.” He added that the election is “not about the past, this is an election about the future.”

Phillips has previously called on other candidates to challenge Biden, and has suggested that the president can “cement his legacy” by allowing a younger leader to take the reins. In an August interview with CBS News’ Robert Costa, Phillips said, “I think President Biden has done a spectacular job for our country. He saved this country. But it’s not about the past, this is an election about the future.”

Phillips has yet to officially declare his candidacy, and is currently exploring the possibility of competing in New Hampshire’s unsanctioned primary. He is the first Democrat to challenge Biden for the nomination.

The Minnesota congressman has served in the House of Representatives since 2019, and is a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus. He is a former businessman and entrepreneur, and is a vocal advocate for progressive causes. Phillips has yet to release a detailed platform, but has said he will focus on issues such as health care, climate change, and economic justice.