The Associated Press has reported that Washington Rep. Denny Phillips, a Democratic presidential candidate, has announced that he will not seek reelection to the U.S. House this year.
Phillips has represented Washington’s 4th Congressional District since 2018. In announcing his decision, he said he was proud of the impact he and his team had in representing the district, but it was time for him to take a different path.
“It’s been an honor to serve my community for the past two years in Congress, but I’m ready to focus on my campaign for the White House,” Phillips said in a statement. “I look forward to continuing to fight for the issues that matter most to Washingtonians and all Americans.”
Phillips had been seeking the Democratic nomination for president and was one of the earliest candidates to announce. He had been in the race for several months, and was seen as a strong contender.
Phillips’ decision leaves the 4th District without a Democratic incumbent in the race, and there will likely be a crowded scramble to fill his spot in the November election.
