Minnesota Democrat Rep. Dean Phillips has taken significant steps toward challenging President Joe Biden in the 2024 Democratic primary. Phillips recently made calls to Democratic operatives and officials in New Hampshire, indicating his serious consideration for a presidential run. He confirmed contacting New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Ray Buckley, stating it was a friendly conversation, and has also reached out to potential staffers in the state.
Phillips has been a vocal advocate for Biden facing a primary challenge, criticizing the president for not passing the torch to the next generation of Democratic leaders. His moves in New Hampshire follow his withdrawal from House Democratic leadership amid concerns that his potential primary bid was causing distractions within the party. However, he faces a tight deadline, as the filing deadline for New Hampshire’s presidential primary is just two weeks away.
Notably, Phillips’ potential entry into the race comes after New Hampshire lost its status as the first-in-the-nation primary due to changes made by the Democratic National Committee. While New Hampshire Democrats plan to lead a write-in campaign for Biden, Phillips’ candidacy could complicate these efforts. Other candidates, including Marianne Williamson and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., are also in the race. Meanwhile, Phillips himself has drawn a primary challenger for his congressional seat in Ron Harris, a DNC executive committee member.
Opinions on Phillips’ potential bid are divided, with some seeing it as a necessary challenge and others dismissing it as divisive within the Democratic Party. The situation continues to unfold, and Phillips will need to make a decision swiftly regarding his candidacy in the upcoming primary.
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