U.S. Rep. Phillips Officially Launches Presidential Bid
U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips, whose Minnesota Third Congressional District includes cities like Brooklyn Park, Maple Grove and Plymouth, announced on Friday that he’s challenging President Joe Biden in the Democratic primary.
The announcement is something the third-term member of Congress has hinted at for weeks.
“We’ve got some challenges, that’s for sure. We’re gonna repair this economy, and we’re going to repair America, as long as we do it together,” he said in a campaign ad announcing his candidacy.
While it’s considered by many as a longshot bid, Phillips is of the belief that there needs to be an alternative to President Biden, amid less-than-overwhelming polling numbers for the president.
“It’s political season and it would have been foolish not to try,” said Michael Gold-Biss, a political science professor from North Hennepin Community College in Brooklyn Park.
He calls Phillips’ announcement “a sensible move in terms of getting political visibility.”
“You’re testing the waters, and you’re testing the waters in a way that does not get you permanently wet or sloshed or stained in any way because it’s just that,” Gold-Biss said. “It’s like a trial balloon.”
Rep. Dean Phillips (D) represents Minnesota’s Third Congressional District.
It’s a trial balloon that may hint at an un-unified Democratic party. But in the mind of Gold-Biss, it’s a good way to signal to the country that Minnesota matters.
“I’m very proud of Minnesotans who step up and speak to the country,” Gold-Biss said. “I think this is important for Minnesota, regardless of which party you are.”
Related: Dean Phillips – U.S. Representative District 3 Candidate
Brooklyn Center | Brooklyn Park | Champlin | Corcoran | Crystal | Golden Valley | Maple Grove | New Hope | Osseo | Plymouth | Robbinsdale | Rogers | Twin Cities | Wayzata
