Wisconsin Democrat Wikler Launches Bid for DNC Chair

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Democrats

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Ben Wikler, chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, announced his candidacy for the leadership of the national party on Sunday, following a Republican sweep in the recent election.

Wikler’s campaign announcement highlighted the Wisconsin party’s “permanent campaign” strategy, emphasizing year-round organization and communication across the state’s diverse communities.

Following the Democratic Party’s losses in the White House, Senate, and House, the search for new leadership is underway. The party faces the challenge of addressing national issues while navigating four more years of a Trump presidency.

Current contenders for the Democratic National Committee leadership include Ken Martin, chair of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party and national party vice chair, and Martin O’Malley, former Maryland governor and current Social Security administrator. The DNC will select its new leader in February; this election will significantly shape the party’s image during Trump’s second term.

Wikler, elected state chair in 2019, emphasizes his success in leading the Wisconsin Democratic Party, a state that saw comparatively less movement towards Trump in 2024 and where Democrats secured crucial down-ballot wins.

He points to his tenure’s achievements: flipping the Wisconsin Supreme Court majority, reelecting Governor Tony Evers, returning Senator Tammy Baldwin to office for a third term, and gaining 14 state legislative seats—setting the stage for potential majorities in both chambers by 2026.

Wikler stated that Wisconsin’s successful strategies can be replicated nationally.

The 43-year-old Wikler previously served as Washington director for MoveOn.org and campaign director for Avaaz, organizations focused on issues such as poverty, climate change, and human rights.

Wikler told CNN’s “Inside Politics Sunday” that Democrats must demonstrate their commitment to the American people and effectively contrast themselves with Republicans to avoid further electoral defeats.