Last week, Rep Dean Phillips reiterated his belief that a Democrat should challenge President Biden in 2024
Rep. Dean Phillips, a Democrat from Minnesota, recently resigned from his position in House Democratic leadership. According to sources, this decision was not the result of external pressure but stemmed from his public calls for a primary challenger to President Biden.
Phillips made the announcement on Sunday, stating, “I have decided to step down from the DPCC & Democratic Caucus leadership. While politics & official work do not mix, it’s clear my convictions about 2024 are incongruent with the position of my colleagues & that was causing discomfort. I was not pressured or forced to resign.”
It’s important to note that Phillips was not forced out of his role, and the leadership generally supported him. However, his criticism of President Biden created tension within the caucus, leading to his resignation. One source commented, “The writing was on the wall.”
In a subsequent post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Rep. Phillips expressed appreciation for House Minority Whip Hakeem Jeffries, noting that Jeffries had created an environment that welcomed diverse perspectives. He also commended DPCC Chair Rep. Joe Neguse for their genuine and principled leadership.
According to information received by Fox News Digital, the breaking point for Phillips came during a House Democratic Caucus meeting last week. During that meeting, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA) strongly criticized Phillips for his suggestion that the president should step aside. This incident marked the first time Phillips became aware that his position was causing what was described as “significant discomfort” among certain Democrats.
Fox News has learned that Rep. Phillips, the Minnesota Democrat, later approached Kamlager-Dove on the House floor and inquired why she had not privately communicated her concerns to him.
Sources indicate that Phillips is considering larger aspirations, potentially including a run for president, as he has previously mentioned. In August, Phillips urged his Democratic colleagues to enter the presidential race and stated on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that while he greatly admires President Biden, he believes it’s time for him to “pass the torch” to new leaders.
He expressed his desire to see a moderate governor, ideally from the heartland and one of the four key states Democrats will need, enter the race. Phillips emphasized the importance of primaries, encouraging individuals like Joe Manchin and Cornel West to consider running, as it does not diminish the chances of a Democrat winning the White House. He actively invited, encouraged, and, to some extent, implored those who were ready and recognized the timing to take the opportunity.
Last week, during an appearance on “The Warning” podcast, Phillips revealed that he is indeed contemplating a run for president when asked about it. He stated, “I’m thinking about it,” and added, “I haven’t ruled it out.”
Phillips acknowledged that there are individuals who are closer to the situation and better prepared to campaign with national organizations and name recognition, a quality he admits he does not possess. He expressed concern about the absence of a viable alternative.
It’s worth noting that Rep. Phillips did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment, and Rep. Kamlager-Dove declined to provide a comment.