Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN), who is running for the Democratic presidential nomination, announced Friday that he would not seek reelection to his House seat after three terms in office.
In a statement, Phillips said that serving Minnesota in Congress has been the “honor of a lifetime” but that the time had come for him to move on.
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“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,” the statement said. “The future is very bright, as long as we have the courage and make the choice to seek it. Keep the faith!”
Phillips is running for the Democratic nomination for president against President Joe Biden, citing a need for a new generation of Democrats to take charge and lead the party and, ultimately, the country as his reason for running.
In light of this, Phillips garnered several primary challengers for his House seat, including DNC staffer Ron Harris, who, in a statement, thanked Phillips for his service.
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“As Dean leaves this seat, I’m running to ensure our community has strong and effective Democratic leadership that not only reflects our values but reflects the lived experiences of the people who work and raise their families here,” Harris said in a statement. “It’s time for a new generation of leadership to take on the apathy and cynicism in our politics, fix what’s broken in our system, and stand up for working families.”
Phillips is the 31st member of the House to announce they are not seeking reelection and the 13th member this month to announce their retirement.