Four Candidates Vie to Lead the Democratic National Committee After 2024 Losses

The race to elect a new DNC chair highlights competing visions to rebuild the Democratic Party following significant electoral setbacks.

The Democratic National Committee is selecting a new chair after losing the presidency, Senate majority, and remaining in the House minority in the 2024 elections.
Four candidates are running: Ben Wikler (Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair), Ken Martin (Minnesota DFL Chair), Martin O’Malley (former Maryland Governor), and James Skoufis (New York State Senator).
All candidates emphasize the need for a 50-state strategy, year-round organizing, and stronger outreach to diverse voter groups, including rural, Latino, and Black communities.
Key priorities among candidates include rebuilding state party infrastructure, refocusing on economic messaging, and contesting down-ballot races like school boards and state legislatures.
The new DNC chair will be tasked with uniting the party, countering the Trump administration, and preparing for elections through 2028 and beyond.