Leah Phifer
Two Harbors native Leah Phifer has decided to end her run for the 8th District congressional seat.
While none of the five candidates won the DFL endorsement at the 8th District convention held on Saturday, April 14 in Duluth, Phifer was the only one of them to lead on all 10 ballots and the only one to earn over 50 percent of the delegate votes.
Still, it takes 60 percent of the vote to receive the party endorsement.
Following the convention Phifer took some time to assess her campaign, and on Wednesday, April 18 she announced she would not move her candidacy for the 8th Congressional District representative forward into a DFL primary election.
“My goal, since first declaring my candidacy in October 2017, has always been to win the DFL endorsement, bring new voices to the table and strengthen the party,” said Phifer. “A divisive primary season would only serve to weaken the party and distract from the issues affecting the people of the 8th District.”
While it wasn’t an easy decision to make, Phifer said she is incredibly proud of the campaign she ran and the issues that were brought to the table. “She gave a voice to those of us who felt we hadn’t had one in a very long time,” said campaign co-chair Robert Miller of Hermantown. “We’ve been empowered and will continue to raise our concerns and expect them to be taken seriously.”
Phifer will not endorse a candidate at this time. “I have a great deal of respect for the people who worked very hard to make me, a political newcomer and grassroots candidate, the top delegate-earner on every ballot for an open congressional seat,” said Phifer. “It’s my hope they will go on to choose someone who follows the path we carved out and runs a positive campaign focused on the issues.” Phifer’s campaign manager Sue Hakes also weighed in on Phifer’s decision not to endorse. “Leah was the people’s candidate. It’s important to her that the people choose their new candidate,” said Hakes.
Phifer currently serves as adjunct faculty at Augsburg University. She will finish spring semester before taking on any new challenges. “It was such an honor to be trusted with the hopes and dreams of the 8th District,” she said. “Whatever I decide to do, I’ll be working to make our vision of the future a reality.” said. “Whatever I decide to do, I’ll be working to make our vision of the future a reality.”
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