Dean Phillips confirms he will not run for reelection as he mounts presidential run against Joe Biden

Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) announced on Friday that he is not seeking reelection as he runs for the Democrat Party's presidential nomination against President Joe Biden.

Phillips claimed that while it was the “honor of a lifetime" to serve the people of Minnesota, he has a greater mission ahead of him.

In a statement, Phillips said, "Seven years have passed, each presenting historic opportunities to practice a brand of optimistic politics that repairs relationships and improves people’s lives. We have met those moments, and after three terms it is time to pass the torch,” the statement said. “The future is very bright, as long as we have the courage and make the choice to seek it. Keep the faith!"

Dean's exit from Congress has ignited a fierce competition for his seat as several challengers have already come forward.

One challenger, DNC staffer Ron Harris congratulated Phillips, saying, "As Dean leaves this seat, I'm running to ensure our community has strong and effective Democratic leadership that not only reflects our values but reflects the lived experiences of the people who work and raise their families here. It's time for a new generation of leadership to take on the apathy and cynicism in our politics, fix what's broken in our system, and stand up for working families."

Phillips is challenging Biden because he fears that Biden will lose to former President Donald Trump in next year's election. This challenge hasn't been received well by the White House and further highlights the strong divisions in the Democrat Party.