Democrat Congressman Dean Phillips of Minnesota made headlines earlier this year when he called for Biden to not run in 2024. The Congressman even hinted that he would that he would primary Biden.
Philips has not said that he will step “down from his role in House Democratic leadership” with a statement citing his “convictions relative to the 2024 presidential race” that are “incongruent” with most House Democrats as the reason he could not continue to serve as the co-chair of the Dems’ Policy and Communications Committee.
“I felt it appropriate to step aside from elected leadership,” Phillips — who said Joe Biden is too old for another term over the summer — explained in a statement to Axios which was later followed up with posts on X, formerly Twitter, that mentioned his opposition to Biden was “causing discomfort.”
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. 1/2
— Rep. Dean Phillips 🇺🇸 (@RepDeanPhillips) October 1, 2023
To the contrary, @RepJeffries has provided space & place for all perspectives, and I celebrate him and our DPCC Chair, @RepJoeNeguse for their authentic & principled leadership. I’ll continue to put people over politics, and ask our Congress and country join me. Onward! 🇺🇸 2/2
— Rep. Dean Phillips 🇺🇸 (@RepDeanPhillips) October 1, 2023
In August, the Minnesota Congressman said that he was “actively inviting, encouraging, to some degree, imploring that people who are ready and know it’s probably time to do so, take the chance” and run against Joe Biden for the nomination.”
Phillips added that he was going to make a decision within the next month, and now he’s stepping down from leadership.
It appears that Phillips has at a minimum irked the Biden administration.
