WASHINGTON — House Democrats are expressing confusion and concern after Rep. Dean Phillips announced his decision to challenge President Joe Biden in the upcoming primary elections. Many fear that Phillips’ actions will not only destroy his own political career but also significantly increase Donald Trump’s chances of winning the White House.
Despite his reputation as a beloved member of the Democratic Caucus and his previous role as one of the co-chairs of House Democrats’ policy and communications team, Phillips’ sudden decision to run against Biden has left his colleagues perplexed. Privately, they cannot understand the motivation behind his last-minute bid for the presidency.
Phillips, a moderate Minnesota Democrat, argues that, at the age of 80, Biden is too old for another term, and believes that a primary challenger is necessary. However, his colleagues struggle to see the purpose behind his campaign and worry that it will ultimately harm Biden’s chances of re-election.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a Democrat and former House member, indirectly mocked Phillips’ run in a fundraising email for Biden. While expressing pride in his state’s accomplishments, Walz subtly referenced Phillips’ campaign as a “political side show.”
Phillips, who filed his candidacy for president in New Hampshire, has chosen not to respond to requests for comment at this time.
Elected during the anti-Trump wave in 2018, Phillips has been a vocal advocate for civility and bipartisanship in politics. He has also pushed for generational change within the Democratic Party, calling for “new blood” to replace party leaders in their 80s. After failing to find support for his cause, Phillips has chosen to take matters into his own hands.
Citing polls that express concerns about Biden’s age, Phillips is determined to sound the alarm that Biden would lose to Trump in a general election. However, one House Democrat representing a swing district believes that Phillips’ candidacy will actually help Biden by forcing people to confront their true beliefs and rally behind the president.
Phillips’ entry into the presidential race comes after he defeated Republican incumbent Rep. Erik Paulsen in the 2018 midterms. As a member of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, he has worked closely with Republicans on various issues.
Phillips’ background includes running his family’s wine and spirits business, Phillips Distilling, as well as his involvement in the launch of Talenti Gelato and a coffee business. In May, he shared an emotional story about his search for his father’s helicopter crash site in Vietnam, which ultimately led him to pursue a career in public service.
Originally published on NBCNews.com.
