Democrats Begin Search for New DNC Chair to Rebuild Party

Eight candidates present visions for the Democratic Party's future during the first of four forums leading up to the February 1 election.

The Democratic National Committee held its first candidate forum, featuring eight contenders discussing strategies to revitalize the party after significant losses in the 2024 elections.
Front-runners Ken Martin and Ben Wikler emphasized their experience in state party leadership, with Martin focusing on grassroots organizing and Wikler advocating for broader communication strategies, including engaging conservative media.
Former Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley positioned himself as a third key contender, highlighting economic issues and the need to reconnect with working-class voters through a listening tour.
Candidates debated the importance of decentralizing operations from Washington, D.C., with some proposing to lead from their home states or delegate day-to-day operations to others.
The DNC will hold three additional forums, culminating in the February 1 election, where no candidate has yet secured the majority of 225 votes needed to win on the first ballot.