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Minnesota Congressman Dean Phillips steps down from leadership role over stance on Biden's 2024 candidacy

Congressman Dean Phillips leaves House leadership role
Congressman Dean Phillips leaves House leadership role 00:50

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Congressman Dean Phillips is stepping down from a leadership position among Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Phillips, who represents the Third District, has been vocal about wanting more primary challengers to President Joe Biden. He said in a statement released Sunday afternoon that he is leaving his role as co-chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Caucus (DPCC).

"My convictions relative to the 2024 presidential race are incongruent with the majority of my caucus, and I felt it appropriate to step aside from elected leadership to avoid unnecessary distractions during a critical time for our country."

MORE: Rep. Phillips calls for term limits after Sen. Mitch McConnell freezes during news conference

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Rep. Dean Phillips Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images

The congressman told WCCO back in August that he was pushing for an alternative to Biden for Democrats in the upcoming presidential election.  

While he made that call known, he did not commit to saying he should be that alternative.

The statement from Phillips goes on to say he will continue to represent his district and abide by his convictions. Phillips had served as co-chair of the DPCC since January of this year.

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