Dean Phillips, the outgoing Democratic Congressman from Minnesota, has no regrets about launching his quixotic primary challenge against President Joe Biden—a decision he says was vindicated after Biden’s disastrous debate with Donald Trump. But in a candid exit interview with POLITICO Magazine, Phillips expressed profound frustration with Congress, his party, and his inability to enact the systemic reforms he believes are desperately needed.
“We are totally devoid of leadership. We are rudderless,” Phillips declared from his home in Washington, D.C.’s Eastern Market neighborhood. His tenure in Congress—marked by an iconoclastic streak as a centrist willing to challenge Democratic leadership—left him deeply disillusioned about the institution’s ability to deliver meaningful results.
A Difficult Decision to Depart
Phillips, a wealthy businessman before entering politics, said he didn’t plan to leave Congress initially. “My plan was to serve at least one more term,” he admitted. “But I came to the conclusion that change is better effected from outside Congress than within.”
The decision was not forced, he emphasized. “I wasn’t thrown out. I didn’t have to leave. It was a personal decision.” He credited Kelly Morrison, his successor, as a capable leader who inspired confidence that the district would remain in good hands.
The relentless demands of the job also factored into his departure. “This job is so unbelievably consuming—by design, I believe—to concentrate power in the hands of very few,” he said. “Fundraising consumes well over 50 percent of members’ time, leaving little room to build relationships, study issues, or plan strategies to effect change.”
Frustrations with a Broken Congress
Reflecting on his three terms, Phillips didn’t mince words about the institution’s shortcomings. “This entire system has been designed to accrue power among very few at the expense of the many,” he said. He lamented the inability to advance bills, foster meaningful debate, or tackle systemic corruption, which he argued has been effectively “legalized.”
Despite these frustrations, Phillips cherished the honor of serving. “I’ll miss the awe-inspiring responsibility, the Capitol Police officers I saw every day, the dining room staff, and many of my colleagues,” he said. “But I won’t miss the culture—investing so much time and energy for so little return for my constituents or the country.”
The Presidential Bid: Vindicated, Yet Unfulfilled
Phillips’ decision to challenge Biden earned him widespread scorn from fellow Democrats. “It was comprehensively negative,” he said of the response. Yet he remains steadfast in his belief that the party was unprepared for the challenges ahead.
“The fact was Biden was not in a position to win. His approval numbers were historically low, and his physical decline was real,” Phillips argued. “I knew this wasn’t an opinion; it was fact. And I’m saddened that I’m vindicated.”
While the campaign didn’t generate the momentum he’d hoped for, Phillips expressed no regret about stepping into the race. “I would much rather have traded vindication for success,” he said.
The Democratic Party’s Crisis of Leadership
Phillips offered a blunt assessment of the Democratic Party: “We are rudderless.” He called for a wholesale transformation, starting with better leadership and outreach to communities the party has neglected.
“It’s ironic that the Republican Party is now representing America’s working class,” he said. “That was ceded to them by people who prioritized tenure over talent and identity politics over pragmatic problem-solving.”
Phillips also welcomed the generational shift occurring in Democratic leadership. “It’s long overdue,” he said, recalling his early support for Hakeem Jeffries. “You can’t have leaders in the same position for 20 years, denying up-and-coming stars the opportunity to chair committees.”
Dean Phillips Reflects: Regrets, Leadership, and a Call for Change
Dean Phillips, the retiring Democratic Congressman from Minnesota, has no regrets about launching his quixotic primary challenge against President Joe Biden—a decision he says was vindicated after Biden’s disastrous debate with Donald Trump. But in a candid exit interview with POLITICO Magazine, Phillips expressed profound frustration with Congress, his party, and his inability to enact the systemic reforms he believes are desperately needed.
“We are totally devoid of leadership. We are rudderless,” Phillips declared from his home in Washington, D.C.’s Eastern Market neighborhood. His tenure in Congress—marked by an iconoclastic streak as a centrist willing to challenge Democratic leadership—left him deeply disillusioned about the institution’s ability to deliver meaningful results.
A Difficult Decision to Depart
Phillips, a wealthy businessman before entering politics, said he didn’t plan to leave Congress initially. “My plan was to serve at least one more term,” he admitted. “But I came to the conclusion that change is better effected from outside Congress than within.”
The decision was not forced, he emphasized. “I wasn’t thrown out. I didn’t have to leave. It was a personal decision.” He credited Kelly Morrison, his successor, as a capable leader who inspired confidence that the district would remain in good hands.
The relentless demands of the job also factored into his departure. “This job is so unbelievably consuming—by design, I believe—to concentrate power in the hands of very few,” he said. “Fundraising consumes well over 50 percent of members’ time, leaving little room to build relationships, study issues, or plan strategies to effect change.”
Frustrations with a Broken Congress
Reflecting on his three terms, Phillips didn’t mince words about the institution’s shortcomings. “This entire system has been designed to accrue power among very few at the expense of the many,” he said. He lamented the inability to advance bills, foster meaningful debate, or tackle systemic corruption, which he argued has been effectively “legalized.”
Despite these frustrations, Phillips cherished the honor of serving. “I’ll miss the awe-inspiring responsibility, the Capitol Police officers I saw every day, the dining room staff, and many of my colleagues,” he said. “But I won’t miss the culture—investing so much time and energy for so little return for my constituents or the country.”
The Presidential Bid: Vindicated, Yet Unfulfilled
Phillips’ decision to challenge Biden earned him widespread scorn from fellow Democrats. “It was comprehensively negative,” he said of the response. Yet he remains steadfast in his belief that the party was unprepared for the challenges ahead.
“The fact was Biden was not in a position to win. His approval numbers were historically low, and his physical decline was real,” Phillips argued. “I knew this wasn’t an opinion; it was fact. And I’m saddened that I’m vindicated.”
While the campaign didn’t generate the momentum he’d hoped for, Phillips expressed no regret about stepping into the race. “I would much rather have traded vindication for success,” he said.
The Democratic Party’s Crisis of Leadership
Phillips offered a blunt assessment of the Democratic Party: “We are rudderless.” He called for a wholesale transformation, starting with better leadership and outreach to communities the party has neglected.
“It’s ironic that the Republican Party is now representing America’s working class,” he said. “That was ceded to them by people who prioritized tenure over talent and identity politics over pragmatic problem-solving.”
Phillips also welcomed the generational shift occurring in Democratic leadership. “It’s long overdue,” he said, recalling his early support for Hakeem Jeffries. “You can’t have leaders in the same position for 20 years, denying up-and-coming stars the opportunity to chair committees.”
Advice for the Next Generation
As he leaves Capitol Hill, Phillips urged incoming lawmakers to prioritize principles over self-preservation. “This institution will consume even the most principled,” he warned. “If you don’t protect yourself, it will change you.”
He also called for more candidates with diverse life experiences to run for office. “We need more people to run—period,” he said. “And we need people willing to change the institution, not let it change them.”
While Phillips remains uncertain about his future in politics, he is committed to shaping the debates over the Democratic Party’s future. “I won’t rule out seeking office again,” he said, “but no matter what, I will continue advocating for the change we so desperately need.”
