The Democratic Party’s upcoming chairmanship election is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in its efforts to regain control of Congress and the White House. Two candidates from the Midwest, Ken Martin of Minnesota and Ben Wikler of Wisconsin, are emerging as frontrunners to succeed Jaime Harrison as chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). The election, scheduled for February 1st, will determine the strategic direction of the party in the crucial years ahead.
While neither candidate has ignited widespread enthusiasm within the party’s establishment, Wikler enjoys a significant advantage: the endorsement of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. Schumer lauded Wikler as a “tenacious organizer,” “proven fundraiser,” and “sharp communicator,” highlighting his perceived ability to deliver results. This endorsement contrasts sharply with the relatively muted reception of Martin’s platform, which focuses on returning power to state-level party organizations. Some see this as a challenge to the influence of wealthy donors and Washington-based party consultants, a critique implicitly leveled against Wikler.
Veteran DNC member and former interim chair Donna Brazile expressed a lack of excitement regarding both candidates, suggesting a need for more innovative approaches beyond simply reallocating resources to state parties. She highlighted the absence of a strong push from the Biden administration, stating that an endorsement from President Biden or Vice President Harris might have shifted the dynamic.
The race is not without other contenders. Former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley claims the support of over 60 DNC members, while James Skoufis boasts 23 endorsements, although his controversial Christmas card, which targeted political consultants, may have damaged his prospects. Other candidates include Nate Snyder, a former homeland security official; Marianne Williamson, a perennial presidential hopeful; Jason Paul, a Massachusetts lawyer; and Quintessa Hathaway, an author and entrepreneur.
Wisconsin, Wikler’s home state, serves as a microcosm of the challenges facing the Democrats. Despite significant effort, the state narrowly went to Donald Trump in the 2020 election. The new DNC chair will play a crucial role in shaping the 2028 presidential primary, a contest vital to the party’s hopes of reclaiming the White House. Martin, however, claims to have secured the backing of over 100 DNC members—a significant portion of the 448 eligible voters—suggesting a closely contested race. The outcome will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the Democratic Party’s future.