Long-shot Democratic presidential candidate Dean Phillips has reversed his plan of dropping out by March 5, saying he’ll stay in “as long as it takes” to have a matchup with former President Donald Trump.

“I’m recognizing that there is an immense need to keep this challenge going,” the Minnesota Democratic congressman said on CNN Tuesday.

Mr. Phillips, who launched his campaign in October, wrote in a November X post that March 5 was the deadline for his campaign to gain traction.

“I’ll be clear — if my campaign is not viable after March 5, I’ll wrap it up and endorse the likely nominee —  Biden or otherwise,” he wrote.

Now he’s predicting he’ll draw at least 20% in Tuesday’s New Hampshire primary.

“I’m trying to shake it up,” he said. “We need to. Donald Trump is going to win [the Republican nomination]. Joe Biden is a fine man, but he’s going to lose.”

According to polling averages, Mr. Phillips sees 3.3% of support from Democrats. President Biden grabs 70% and fellow candidate Marianne Williamson sees 7%.

• Mallory Wilson can be reached at mwilson@washingtontimes.com.