Phifer drops out of 8th Congressional District race

Leah Phifer has made the decision not to move her candidacy for 8^th 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 8^th District.”
 
Acknowledging that 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. 
 
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.