History of Dean Phillips in Timeline

Dean Benson Phillips, a Democratic U.S. representative for Minnesota's 3rd congressional district since 2019, is an American businessman and politician. His district covers the western Twin Cities suburbs. He has a background in owning and starting businesses, including serving as president and CEO of his family's Phillips Distilling Company. He co-owns Penny's Coffee and was formerly a co-owner of Talenti gelato. On November 24, 2023, Phillips declared he wouldn't seek reelection to Congress.

1958: Last Democratic Representative for Minnesota's 3rd District

The last time a Democrat held Minnesota's 3rd Congressional district seat before Phillips was in 1958.

1961: Last Democratic Representative for Minnesota's 3rd District

The last time a Democrat held Minnesota's 3rd Congressional district seat before Phillips was in 1961.

January 20, 1969: Dean Phillips is born

Dean Benson Phillips (né Pfefer) was born on January 20, 1969 in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

1969: Phillips's biological father dies in Vietnam War

Dean Phillips's biological father was killed during the Vietnam War six months after Phillips was born in 1969.

1972: Phillips's mother remarries and he is adopted

In 1972, Phillips's mother, DeeDee, married Eddie Phillips, who adopted Dean.

1991: Phillips graduates from Brown University

Dean Phillips graduated from Brown University in 1991.

2000: Phillips receives MBA and becomes President & CEO of Phillips Distilling Company

Dean Phillips completed his Master of Business Administration at the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management in 2000 and became President & CEO of Phillips Distilling Company.

2000: Phillips serves as President & CEO of Phillips Distilling Company

Dean Phillips served as the president and CEO of Phillips Distilling Company from 2000 to 2012.

2012: Phillips steps down from Phillips Distilling Company

Dean Phillips stepped down from his position as President & CEO of Phillips Distilling Company in 2012.

2014: Phillips sells Talenti gelato to Unilever

Dean Phillips sold his stake in Talenti Gelato to Unilever in 2014.

2016: Phillips founds Penny's Coffee

Dean Phillips founded Penny's Coffee, a coffee shop chain, in 2016.

2018: Phillips wins Democratic Primary for US House

Dean Phillips won the Democratic primary for Minnesota's 3rd congressional district in 2018, defeating Cole Young with 81.6% of the vote.

2018: Phillips is elected to Congress

In 2018, Dean Phillips was elected to Congress, defeating six-term Republican incumbent Erik Paulsen. This marked the first time a Democrat won the seat since 1958.

2019: Phillips assumes office as US Representative

Dean Phillips was elected as the U.S. representative from Minnesota's 3rd congressional district and assumed office in 2019.

2019: Phillips is ranked 27th out of 435 members for bipartisanship

In 2019, the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University placed Dean Phillips 27th out of 435 members in terms of bipartisanship.

2019: Phillips becomes first Democrat to represent district since 1961

When Dean Phillips took office in 2019, he became the first Democrat to represent Minnesota's 3rd congressional district since 1961.

2020: Phillips wins re-election to the US House

Dean Phillips won re-election to the US House of Representatives in 2020, defeating Cole Young in the Democratic Primary and businessman Kendall Qualls in the general election.

2022: Penny's Coffee operates in two locations

As of 2022, Penny's Coffee, founded by Dean Phillips, had two locations in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

July 2023: Phillips considers challenging President Biden

In July 2023, Phillips publicly stated he was considering challenging President Joe Biden in the 2024 Democratic presidential primaries.

October 2023: Phillips steps down from House Democratic leadership position

In October 2023, Dean Phillips stepped down as co-chair of the House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee, stating his views on the 2024 presidential race were incongruent with the majority of his caucus.