DNC Set to Elect New Chair Amid Rebuilding Efforts Post-2024 Loss
Following a devastating defeat to Donald Trump, the Democratic Party is taking steps to rebuild with the election of a new chair.
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — The Democratic National Committee (DNC) is set to take a significant step forward in its recovery from the party’s 2024 election loss by electing a new chair this weekend.
On Saturday, DNC members will gather to vote on a slate of officers, with the most crucial position being that of party chair, following Jaime Harrison’s decision to step down. Harrison, the former chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party, was appointed by President Joe Biden during his presidency and led the party through tumultuous times.
However, the election of the new chair won't just be about appointing a new party leader. Instead, the incoming chair will be responsible for overseeing the party's fundraising, staffing, and strategic plans. The chair's role will be more about party infrastructure and rebuilding, focusing on laying the groundwork for future successes rather than immediately leading the party back to power.
"This person will be tasked with managing party-building efforts, planning primary processes, ensuring state parties have the necessary resources, and organizing our next convention," said Matt Corridoni, a veteran Democratic strategist. "It's about managing the operations of the party, not about grabbing headlines."
As the election nears, two prominent state party leaders have emerged as the leading contenders: Ken Martin of Minnesota and Ben Wikler of Wisconsin. Former Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley, who ran for president in 2016, is also seeking the position.
Martin, 51, has led the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) since 2011 and is recognized for his success in maintaining Democratic control in the state. Under his leadership, the DFL has consistently won statewide elections, even as other Midwestern states have seen a rise in GOP victories. Martin's pitch focuses on a balance between party-building and revitalizing the party’s brand.
"The Democratic Party has an image problem. We need to connect with voters and show them that we are fighting for the issues that matter to them," Martin said in a recent forum.
Wikler, 43, has chaired the Wisconsin Democratic Party since 2019 and has gained national attention for his work in turning the swing state blue. His successes include helping Joe Biden win Wisconsin in 2020, securing re-election for Governor Tony Evers in 2022, and leading efforts to flip the state’s Supreme Court. Wikler advocates for a more aggressive and energetic approach to rebuilding the party.
"In this moment, we need a DNC chair who can fight back with intensity against the forces undermining our democracy," Wikler said during the forum. "I’ve done it in Wisconsin, and if I’m elected, we will bring that same fight to the national stage."
The race is highly competitive, with Martin currently holding a strong lead in endorsements from DNC members. He has the support of nearly 200 voting members, close to a majority of the 448 required to secure the position. Wikler, however, is gaining momentum, with endorsements from prominent figures such as Governors Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan and Andy Beshear of Kentucky, as well as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
O'Malley, the only major candidate with significant experience as an elected official, has also garnered some support. His background includes serving as governor of Maryland and running for president in 2016.
Faiz Shakir, a longtime adviser to Senator Bernie Sanders, has also entered the race but lacks the widespread backing of DNC members compared to his competitors.
The upcoming election is a critical moment for the Democratic Party, which is still reeling from its loss in 2024. While the candidates agree on the need for a comprehensive "50-state strategy" to reach voters in every corner of the country, there are varying opinions on how best to move the party forward.
The chair race is not just a contest of leadership styles but also an opportunity for Democrats to reflect on what went wrong in 2024 and what changes are necessary. All candidates agree that the party needs to do more to meet the moment and address the growing challenges posed by the GOP.
The DNC will elect its new chair amid a charged political landscape, and the outcome will play a key role in shaping the party's path forward in the years ahead.