Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) endorsed Ben Wikler, chairman of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, to take the helm of the Democratic National Committee.
In a post on X, Schumer cited Wikler’s achievements as chairman of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin.
“As one of the best state party chairs in the country, Ben possesses all the qualities Democrats across the country are looking for in our next DNC Chair,” Schumer said Thursday. “He’s a tenacious organizer—one of the best organizers in the country—a proven fundraiser, a sharp communicator, and able to reach out to all segments of the Democratic Party. Most importantly, he knows how to win.”
I have said since the day after the election that Democrats should view this moment as a challenge. We must listen to the American people, learn from the results, and move forward stronger. That’s why I am enthusiastically supporting @benwikler to be the next Chair of the DNC. https://t.co/RKBZzVgGY4
— Chuck Schumer (@chuckschumer) January 2, 2025
The Senate Democratic leader also stressed that, following their 2024 election loss, “Democrats should view this moment as a challenge.”
“We must listen to the American people, learn from the results, and move forward stronger,” Schumer added.
Since Wikler began leading the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, Democrats have been able to reelect Gov. Tony Evers (D-WI0, help organize a flip from conservative to liberal control of the state Supreme Court, work to reelect Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) in a tight race, and provide the closest result in the presidential race of any of the seven battleground states, despite President-elect Donald Trump still winning the state.
“Wisconsin Democrats experienced dispiriting defeats. Scott Walker and Republicans dismantled workers’ rights and voting rights, rigging Wisconsin to keep the GOP in power through the courts and the legislature. Ben didn’t despair. He rolled up his sleeves and helped unify the Democratic Party and reignite Wisconsin Democrats from the grassroots up,” Schumer added. “This year’s election shows the results: in a tough year nationwide, a US Senate victory and 14 state legislative flips. That’s exactly what Democrats need from our next DNC Chair.”
Schumer’s endorsement of Wikler is one of his most prominent yet. Wikler also earned endorsements from MoveOn, the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, and the centrist Third Way. Schumer, notably, did not endorse New York state Sen. James Skoufis.
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The race to succeed outgoing DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison is heating up and has become crowded. The race also features Minnesota Democratic Party Chairman Ken Martin, former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, former Maryland Senate candidate Robert Houton, former Homeland Security official Nate Snyder, and former Democratic presidential candidate Marianne Williamson.
The leadership elections for the DNC are slated to take place on Feb. 1 during the party’s winter meeting at National Harbor, Maryland. The change in leadership comes as candidates running for the position say they need to learn what went wrong for the party in 2024.