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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
November 24, 2023: Phillips announces decision to not seek re-election
On November 24, 2023, Dean Phillips announced that he would not run for reelection to his congressional seat.
December 20, 2023: Phillips co-sponsors Medicare for All Act
On December 20, 2023, Dean Phillips signed on as a co-sponsor of the Medicare for All Act, a notable change from his prior stance on healthcare.
March 6, 2024: Phillips suspends presidential campaign
Dean Phillips suspended his presidential campaign on March 6, 2024, following Super Tuesday and endorsed incumbent President Joe Biden.
2024: Phillips announces run for US President
Dean Phillips officially announced his candidacy for US president in 2024 after filing the required paperwork with the Federal Election Commission.
2024: Phillips earns delegates in Democratic primaries
Dean Phillips received four delegates in the 2024 Democratic presidential primaries.
2024: Phillips runs for US President
In 2024, Phillips ran for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination.
2024: Phillips challenges Biden for Democratic nomination
Phillips unsuccessfully challenged incumbent President Joe Biden for the Democratic nomination in the 2024 presidential election.