WISCONSIN — Chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin Ben Wikler announced on CNN Sunday morning that he’s entering the race to become the next Democratic National Committee Chair.
“In Wisconsin, we’ve built a permanent campaign,” Wikler said in his candidacy announcement. “We organize and communicate year-round in every corner of the state — rural, suburban, urban, red, blue and purple areas alike.”
Since losing control of the White House, the Senate and the House, Democrats are looking for new leadership to tackle the nation's problems amid a new Republican President-elect Donald Trump.
He’s the fourth person to throw his name into the running, joining New York State Sen. James Skoufis, Minnesota Dem Party Chair Ken Martin and former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley.
It comes after the current chair, Jaime Harrison, said he would not to seek re-election.
“If we’re going to take on Trump, Republican extremists, and move our country forward, the Democratic Party needs to be stronger. I’m running for Chair of the Democratic National Committee to unite the party, fight everywhere, and win,” said Wikler in a statement on X.
If we’re going to take on Trump, Republican extremists, and move our country forward, the Democratic Party needs to be stronger. I'm running for Chair of the Democratic National Committee to unite the party, fight everywhere, and win. Join me. 🧵 pic.twitter.com/lCAmEC6Gox
— Ben Wikler (@benwikler) December 1, 2024
Wikler became chair of the state party in 2019 and has also outraised the state’s Republican Party by more than 10 times in the first six months of 2024, according to the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign.
He cites his experience leading the party's efforts in a state that shifted less toward Trump than other battlegrounds in 2024 and where Democrats won key downballot races.
He said that during his tenure, Democrats flipped the majority on the Wisconsin Supreme Court and reelected Tony Evers as governor. This year, the state returned Sen. Tammy Baldwin for a third term and retook 14 state legislative seats, which he says puts Democrats on track for majorities in both chambers in 2026.
“What has made a difference in Wisconsin can made a difference everywhere,” Wikler said.
Wikler, 43, has served as a Washington director for MoveOn.org, a progressive advocacy group and as a campaign director for Avaaz, a group that mobilizes members to take on issues such as poverty, climate change and human rights.
The election for top leadership positions within the Democratic Party, including chair, will be held on Feb. 1.
If Wikler were to be elected, he would be the first DNC chair from Wisconsin.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.