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Wisconsin Democratic Party Chairman Ben Wikler announced on Sunday his intention to run for chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) in a vote slated to be held on Feb. 1, 2025.

Wikler, who has led the state party since 2019, is the latest of a number of candidates who have entered the race. Other candidates vying for the position are former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, who will resign as head of the Social Security Administration to pursue the DNC chairmanship; Ken Martin, chair of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party; and New York state Sen. James Skoufis.

Current DNC Chair Jaime Harrison is not seeking reelection.

In announcing his bid for DNC chair, Wikler pledged to “unite the party, fight everywhere, and win.” He stated that “the soul” of the Democratic Party lies in advocating for working people.

“If we’re going to take on Trump, Republican extremists, and move our country forward, the Democratic Party needs to be stronger,” Wikler said in a statement on X.
Wikler said in a video address that he had built a “permanent campaign” in Wisconsin over the past five years, focusing on organizing and engaging with voters statewide and year-round.

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He stated that under his leadership, the state party successfully flipped the majority on the Wisconsin Supreme Court and reelected Tony Evers as governor in 2022. Evers was first elected in 2018.

Wikler said the state reelected Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) for a third term this year and the party regained 14 state legislative seats, which he said placed Democrats on track for majorities in both chambers by 2026.

“When the polls are within the margin of error, we win by the margin of effort,” he stated. “What has made a difference in Wisconsin can make a difference everywhere.”

Wikler, 43, has served as a Washington director for progressive advocacy group MoveOn.org 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 four-year position must be filled by March 1, 2025, according to the party’s bylaws. The DNC will host four in-person and virtual forums for candidates to make their case and engage with DNC members ahead of the election.

With Vice President Kamala Harris’s loss in the 2024 presidential election, whoever takes the reins of the DNC will be tasked with formulating a working vision for the party heading into the 2026 midterm elections and beyond.

That person will also preside over the party’s 2028 nominating process, which gives the new DNC chair a sizable impact on who runs as the party’s nominee in the next presidential election. Members also will vote on the vice chairs, treasurer, secretary, and national finance chair.

Jacob Burg and the Associated Press contributed to this report.