The field of candidates running for Democratic National Committee (DNC) chair is solidifying, bringing the party a step closer toward recalibrating after a disappointing election night.
State party chairs Ken Martin of Minnesota and Ben Wikler of Wisconsin, former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, New York state Sen. James Skoufis and former Homeland Security official Nate Snyder have all launched bids, as has Robert Houton, a former Maryland Senate candidate seen as more of a long shot.
Here’s a look at four factors that could shape the race.
Experience
Martin and Wikler enjoy early advantages given both men are DNC members and helm Midwestern state Democratic parties.
Martin has chaired the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) since 2011 and holds key institutional knowledge as president of the Association of State Democratic Committees and vice chair of the DNC. He’s emphasized that his state party hasn’t lost a statewide election since he’s been chair.
“If you’re looking for a creature of D.C., that’s not me,” he said in video rolling out his bid. “But I do know how the DNC works — and how it isn’t working.”
Wikler has chaired the Wisconsin Democratic Party since 2019.
He argues Wisconsin was a bright spot for Democrats in November, despite President-elect Trump’s win in the state, because Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) won reelection........