(The Center Square) – A Minnesota Congressman who ran a longshot bid for the Democratic presidential nomination against President Joe Biden announced Wednesday that he was suspending his campaign.
U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips, D-Minn., thanked his supporters and endorsed Biden for the Democratic nomination.
“To all who supported my effort, thank you,” he wrote on X. “We will continue the important work to ensure a more responsive, democratic, and generationally diverse political system. But today, in light of the stark reality we face, I ask you join me in mobilizing, energizing, and doing everything you can to help keep a man of decency and integrity in the White House. That’s Joe Biden.”
He also called on supporters of former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and Donald Trump to join Biden.
“Let’s lead with invitation, not confrontation, to welcome Haley supporters, Trump supporters, and Uncommitted supporters to get this done,” Phillips wrote. “It’s our calling, it’s our legacy, and it’s our time. Onward with joy and patriotism!”
Phillips had launched a bid to replace Biden, saying Biden was too old and a new leader was needed.
Phillips campaigned hard in the New Hampshire primary but lost to Biden even though the president did not appear on the Democrat ballot because of an internal party dispute over when the primary should occur. Biden supporters, however, launched a write-in campaign for the president.