The article discusses the internal battle within the Democratic National Committee (DNC) as it prepares to elect a new chair following the departure of Jaime Harrison. The two leading candidates are Ken Martin of Minnesota and Ben Wikler of Wisconsin, both experienced state party chairs.
While their politics align with the Democratic mainstream, the race is less about ideology and more about the mechanics of party operations, with arguments over donor influence, state party resources, and internal party dynamics.
Martin is campaigning on a platform of empowering state parties, while his supporters criticize Wikler as being too closely tied to major donors and consultants. Wikler, on the other hand, has strong backing for his fundraising successes and his role in turning state elections into national causes.
The race is further complicated by past internal conflicts, with some Democrats feeling uninspired by the options and questioning the lack of new ideas, especially in light of the party’s recent struggles in national elections.
The DNC chair will be tasked with uniting the party, setting the rules for the 2028 presidential primaries, and leading the party through the aftermath of the 2024 election.
The field is crowded, with other candidates also vying for the position, but it is unclear who will secure the majority of support from the 448 DNC members. The race reflects broader tensions within the party about its future direction and leadership.