Some Democrats are expressing concern over President Joe Biden's latest primary challenger who could pose a real threat in 2024.

Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) recently announced he is running against Biden in the Democratic primary, with party leaders speaking out over the controversy.

Biden Campaign Co-Chair Panics Over Primary Challenger: 'No Party Has Ever Survived That' https://t.co/KralrLprQp

— Mediaite (@Mediaite) October 27, 2023

The concern

Biden campaign co-chairman Cedric Richmond argued that Phillips is pursuing a vanity project that could hurt Biden in the 2024 election.

“History tells us when the sitting president faces a primary challenge, it weakens him for the general election,” warned Richmond ominously. “No party has ever survived that.”

Dems are freaking out, and for good reason. Dean Phillips may not be some heavyweight, but he’s got deep pockets and influential friends.

In New Hampshire, Billy Shaheen—longtime kingmaker and husband of Sen. Jeanne Shaheen—is helping his campaign.https://t.co/gvy9RrT1Qk

— Tim Alberta (@TimAlberta) October 27, 2023

The motivation

"[H]e was going to run for president, Phillips explained, because there is one deception he can no longer perpetuate," according to the Atlantic.

“My grave concern,” the congressman said, “is I just don’t think President Biden will beat Donald Trump next November.”

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announces independent run for president | Just The News https://t.co/h4WDrga1uX

— John Solomon (@jsolomonReports) October 9, 2023

Other candidates

Phillips is not the only person running against Biden outside of the Republican Party. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was running as a Democrat but recently switched to an Independent bid.

“I’m here to declare myself an independent candidate for president of the United States,” Kennedy said in remarks in Philadelphia.

Marianne Williamson, a bestselling self-help author who ran as a Democrat in 2020, is also running a campaign for 2024. Cornell West, a former Democrat and former Harvard professor, is also running in a third-party bid.

Then there are wild cards who have left the door open to a 2024 run for president. Among those most mentioned are former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney (WY), who could potentially run as an Independent. West Virginia Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin has also hinted at a third-party bid in 2024.

The threats continue to grow against Biden, with each contender chipping away at his voters in what could be a rematch against former President Donald Trump. If so, polls show a close matchup in battleground states, with additional candidates playing a major factor in whether Biden survives for a second term in the White House.