Rep. Dean Phillips, a three-term Minnesota congressman, has announced his bid for the Democratic nomination for president in 2024. Phillips, a moderate Democrat, will challenge President Joe Biden for the nomination, positioning himself as an alternative to the well-funded and establishment-backed incumbent. The 54-year-old congressman has been urging Democrats to consider another primary challenger to Biden, citing concerns over the president's age and approval ratings. Phillips made his announcement on CBS News, stating that while he believes Biden has done a "spectacular job," he believes the upcoming election is about the future.

Phillips is expected to file for the New Hampshire primary election and formally announce his candidacy shortly after. He plans to hold an event at the statehouse plaza in Concord and embark on a bus tour following the announcement. There were several clues leading up to Phillips' run, including reports of obtaining permits for the statehouse plaza and sightings of a bus with "Dean Phillips for President" branding. Despite the anticipation, Phillips had not publicly confirmed his bid until the teaser for his CBS interview was released.

Phillips' decision to launch his campaign in New Hampshire, a state that has been displaced from its traditional spot as the first primary in the nation, further establishes him as a party outsider. The Democratic National Committee and the Biden campaign have not provided comments on Phillips' entrance into the race. However, his Democratic colleagues have expressed criticism, with Rep. Pramila Jayapal calling it a "vanity project" and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz expressing disagreement with his challenge to Biden.

Although Phillips' chances of securing the nomination are considered unlikely due to Biden's resources, official party support, and control over the party's nominating contest calendar, his entry into the race highlights the desire among Democrats for an alternative candidate. Polls have shown that many Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents prefer someone other than Biden, citing concerns about his age. Phillips has echoed this sentiment, referencing national and state polling data that suggests voters want another option.

Phillips' decision to focus on New Hampshire and skip filing for the Nevada primary has drawn criticism from within the party. Democrats argue that he is disregarding the party's emphasis on the South and its diverse voters. By snubbing South Carolina, a state with a large Black voter population that played a crucial role in Biden's victory in 2020, Phillips is seen as avoiding scrutiny and questions from Black voters. Party members have also noted his lack of outreach to the Congressional Black Caucus, a group influential in understanding and representing the interests of Black voters.

Despite the criticism, Phillips' decision to launch his campaign in New Hampshire guarantees media attention, as the state traditionally garners significant coverage during presidential cycles. However, by missing the filing deadline for Nevada and potentially ignoring South Carolina, Phillips may face challenges in gaining support and establishing himself as a competitive challenger to Biden. Critics argue that his campaign appears more like a "wild goose chase" than a serious bid for the presidency.