Eden Prairie’s representative in Congress does not want President Joe Biden to run for reelection as president in 2024, according to media accounts of a July 28 interview on WCCO Radio.
Phillips, who represents the Third District which comprises Eden Prairie and much of the western suburbs, told radio host Chad Hartman that he thinks Biden should step aside for a “new generation” of leadership in the White House, according to a Star Tribune report.
When Hartman asked Phillips if he shared the apprehension of other Democrats about Biden seeking a second term, he replied, “I have respect for Joe Biden, I think he has – despite some mistakes, and some missteps, despite his age – I think he’s a man of decency, of good principle, of compassion, of empathy and of strength,” Phillips said. “(But) no, I don’t. I think the country would be well-served by a new generation of compelling, well-prepared, dynamic Democrats to step up,” according to the Star Tribune report.
Biden has said that he is planning to run, and most Democrats have either said that they’re supporting him or declined to say whether they want him to run for reelection.
The Third Congressional District encompasses suburban Hennepin County, Carver, and Anoka counties to the west, south and north of Minneapolis.
Phillips, 53, is seeking a third term in November. Republican Tom Weiler is challenging him. As of June 30, Phillips has $794,537 in campaign funds on hand; Weiler had $233,719, according to the Federal Elections Commission.