Democrat Dean Phillips steps down from House seat to focus on challenging Biden

A Democratic congressman just announced that he will retire from his seat in order to focus on a primary challenge against President Joe Biden. 

According to Fox News, Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips revealed his plans during an interview on Friday with the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

Congressman says "it would be irresponsible" not to step down

Phillips told the paper that he feels it is time to "pass the torch" following three terms spent in the House of Representatives.

What's more, the congressman also suggested that a return to Capitol Hill after challenging a president from his own party would be "both unproductive and uncomfortable."

"It would be irresponsible to continue to string both my constituents along and the other candidates who both have entered the race and who might be interested in entering the race," he added.

Phillips spoke further about his decision not to seek reelection in a post on the social media platform previously known as Twitter.

Phillips says he served during "some of the darkest days in our nation's history"

"It’s been the most joyful experience of my life representing the most civically engaged community in the nation in Congress," he said of his time in Washington.

It’s been the most joyful experience of my life representing the most civically engaged community in the nation in Congress.

But it’s time to pass the torch, it’s time for change, and our best days are yet to come! https://t.co/fes98Wk66I

— Congressman Dean Phillips 🇺🇸 (@deanbphillips) November 24, 2023

"But it’s time to pass the torch, it’s time for change, and our best days are yet to come!" the Democratic lawmaker went on to stress.

Fox News noted that Phillips issued a second statement in which recalled serving in "some of the darkest days in our nation's history."

Democrat slams Vice President Harris

The network also observed that Phillips raised eyebrows among his fellow Democrats for lashing out at Vice President Kamala Harris in a recent interview with The Atlantic.

"She is not well-prepared, doesn’t have the right disposition and the right competencies to execute that office," Phillips said of Harris.