Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN 3rd District) announced his presidential bid on October 27 for the Democratic Presidential nomination. Phillips, who represents Minnesota’s 3rd district, which includes Orono, is a proud supporter of President Joe Biden (D) but is running because he believes that Biden will lose to the likely Republican Presidential Nominee, Donald Trump.

Who is Dean Phillips?

Phillips, 54, is a St. Paul native who currently represents Minnesota’s 3rd District in the US House of Representatives. Phillips was born on January 20, 1969. He attended the Blake School in Edina and later graduated from Brown University in 1991; he would go on to get his MBA from the University of Minnesota. 2 years after graduating from college, he would become the President & CEO at Phillips Distilling Company, his family’s business. He would hold this role until June 2012 when he became the Executive Chairman of Talenti Gelato. He remained in that position until June 2016 when he opened “Penny’s Coffee,” a small business with 3 locations throughout the Twin Cities Metro area. Phillips was elected to the US House of Representatives in 2019 and has been reelected twice since. He currently resides in Wayzata, Minnesota.

Why is Dean Phillips Running for President?

Phillips, who has publicly praised President Joe Biden numerous times, says that he is simply too old for reelection and will lose to Former President Donald Trump. Phillips, who is strongly anti-Trump, has said that if Trump is reelected in 2024, “there won’t be a 2028 election.” Phillips had previously tried to get other Democrats to run against Biden in the Democratic Primary, but was unsuccessful. Because of this, Phillips decided to run for president himself. Phillips has yet to clearly explain why he should be the Democratic nomination for president rather than Joe Biden, aside from his age.

What is Dean Phillips’ Stance on the Current Israel-Hamas War?

Following the October 7th Massacre, Phillips, who is Jewish, explained his position. “We need a two-state solution. We need peace and prosperity and opportunity for both Palestinians and Israelis living side by side. But right now, it is black and white. We need the United States to continue to support Israel. We need to eradicate Hamas. And we need to encourage Palestinians to elevate a leadership that can sit at the table with principle [and] with good character, and with the intention for peace,” Phillips said. He has also critiqued Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and called for a cease-fire.

What are his Chances of Securing the Democratic Nomination?

Phillip’s run is largely seen as a longshot bid by political analysts and is seen as unlikely to put Biden at risk of not securing the Democratic nomination.