Ben Wikler Announces Run for DNC Chair Amid Democratic Leadership Shake-Up

Ben Wikler, the chair of Wisconsin’s Democratic Party, announced on Sunday that he is running to lead the Democratic National Committee DNC. His decision comes after Republicans, led by Donald Trump, regained power in Washington.

In Wisconsin, we’ve built a campaign that never stops, Wikler said. We organize all year in every part of the state—rural, suburban, urban, and across political divides.

After losing control of the White House, Senate, and House, Democrats are looking for fresh leadership to address national challenges, including another four years of Trump’s presidency.

Other candidates for the DNC chair include Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party chair Ken Martin and former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley. Martin has over a decade of experience leading Minnesota’s party and has worked on major campaigns, including those for John Kerry and Al Gore. O’Malley, who recently resigned from his position as Social Security Administration commissioner, is also in the running. Current DNC Chair Jamie Harrison is not expected to seek reelection.

The DNC will vote for its new leader in February. The outcome will shape the party’s strategy for the next four years under Trump.

Wikler, who became Wisconsin’s chair in 2019, highlighted his successes in the state. During his leadership, Democrats flipped the Wisconsin Supreme Court, reelected Governor Tony Evers, secured Senator Tammy Baldwin’s third term, and gained 14 state legislative seats. These achievements, he said, position the party for future wins.

What worked in Wisconsin can work across the country, Wikler said.

At 43, Wikler brings years of experience, having worked for progressive organizations like MoveOn.org and Avaaz. On CNN’s Inside Politics Sunday, he emphasized the importance of showing Americans that Democrats stand with them. If we don’t make that clear, we’ll lose, he warned.

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