Dean Phillips hires top Bernie Sanders and Andrew Yang advisers

Earlier this month, Representative Dean Phillips, D-Minn, announced the hire of two top advisors to former presidential candidates, Bernie Sanders and Andrew Yang.

The Sanders advisor was Chuck Rocha, a senior advisor for the Sanders campaign who will serve as a senior advisor for the congressman. Rocha will be responsible for managing and coordinating campaigns for Phillips in his upcoming races, as well as helping to form relationships with key stakeholders.

Abby Finkenauer, who had been the Deputy Campaign Manager for Andrew Yang’s presidential run, will now serve as a senior advisor for Phillips’s congressional campaigns. In that role, she will help develop and execute strategies for his campaigns and support field operations.

Both Rocha and Finkenauer bring a wealth of experience to Phillips’ team. Rocha has previously managed numerous campaigns including former Labor Secretary and 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Tom Perez’s bid for DNC Chair. Finkenauer has a background in grassroots organizing and has worked on campaigns for Bernie Sanders and early education initiatives in New Mexico.

Their hiring suggests that the congressman is looking to build on his success in 2020, which saw him expand his House majority and win in districts long held by republicans. He has positioned himself as a progressive leader and his decision to add top advisors from both Sanders’ and Yang’s campaigns signals his commitment to progressive policies and advocacy.