Biden Primary Challenger Rep. Dean Phillips Challenging Democratic Party Over Ballot Inclusion

Democratic candidate for president Rep. Dean Phillips, D-Minn., is challenging the Democratic Party at the national level and the state party in Florida, North Carolina and Tennessee, after he was left off the ballot for the Democratic primary elections in those states.

"Unilaterally taking away the right of rank and file Democrats, including a disproportionate number of Black voters demanding a more affordable America, is reprehensible," Phillips told Semafor in an interview. "If Joe Biden is the best candidate to defeat Donald Trump and lead us to a safer, more affordable future, let him compete for that privilege without his supporters suppressing and disenfranchising millions of voters."

Party officials in Florida and Tennessee said they did not hear from Phillips during the window necessary to vet his signatures ahead of the deadline.

Phillips' campaign is a longshot, with incumbent President Joe Biden currently boasting a polling average of 67% to Phillips 5.5%.