Democratic Party Prepares to Elect New DNC Chair After 2024 Election Loss

Four declared candidates and potential newcomers vie to shape the party's strategy following Trump’s reelection and Harris's defeat.

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) will elect a new chair on February 1, 2025, with four candidates currently in the race: Ken Martin, Ben Wikler, Martin O'Malley, and James Skoufis.
The candidates are debating how to address key challenges, including rebuilding Latino voter support, refining outreach to working-class voters, and balancing efforts to attract independents and progressives.
Criticism has emerged over the party’s handling of Joe Biden’s reelection bid and Kamala Harris’s campaign strategy, with some questioning whether Biden should have stepped aside earlier to provide Harris more time to prepare.
The Democratic Party’s primary calendar changes, including moving South Carolina to the first position, remain a contentious issue, with some advocating for a reassessment after 2028.
Outgoing DNC Chair Jaime Harrison has expressed optimism about the party’s future, emphasizing successes in down-ballot races despite the presidential loss.