Today is the big day at the DNC, as they seek to elect a new chair to lead the Democratic Party out of the abyss and set up for a chance at success in 2026 (provided we still have free elections by then). The main two contenders for the chair are Ben Wikler from Wisconsin and Ken Martin from Minnesota.
Today is the big day at the DNC, as they seek to elect a new chair to lead the Democratic Party out of the abyss and set up for a chance at success in 2026 (provided we still have free elections by then). The main two contenders for the chair are Ben Wikler from Wisconsin and Ken Martin from Minnesota.
Martin's a well-respected state chair and has spent a ton of time building relationships with DNC members. Wikler was more popular among Democratic politicians and activist types, but they're not the ones who vote. (I'd have preferred Wikler myself based on his record in WI, but Martin is not going to do a bad job).
I’d have to familiarize myself with Martin’s history in Minnesota but if he was chosen, it’s likely because he’s got a strong strategy helping elect and re-elect Democrats in MN that can translate into other states.
“We have to tap into the rich, rich, rich diversity of elected officials we have throughout this country who are actually delivering on our party values right now,” Martin said. “The DNC chair is just one spokesperson, but we have so many other spokespeople out there we should be tapping into. Instead of sending celebrities out, we should send workers out to talk to workers, we should send out other folks out to talk who are trusted messengers and validators.”
“My job is to get out there and define the Republicans,” Martin said. “I will take the low road so they can take the high road. I will throw the punches so they don’t have to, and we will go on offense against Donald Trump. That’s the role I will play as spokesperson, and I will also be the organizer-in-chief for our party.”
He already knows they want to be wimpy. Schumer and Jeffries backing Wikler says a lot bc they’re kind of wimpy.
I like this from Martin. I’m from MN and any time he puts out a statement, it’s a bit tougher than what I see from the national party. Wikler is better off in WI organizing the party. The DNC needs someone who will be a bulldog. Saying the DNC chair is mostly fundraising is old school. In today’s media and news landscape, it also needs to be a rapid fire response team that is present everywhere.
Yes. From what I have seen about Martin’s speech after being elected as DNC Chair, he knows how to frame the GOP.
When he’s talking about Trump and his billionaires, he’s already defining what is obvious about the GOP agenda is. He’s not afraid to do this and can certainly help the DNC from not just a fundraising aspect but from an organizing one as well.
“It is time for our leaders and the new DNC to treat us as “partners in the fight, not just donors to the cause.” There has to be a total re-imagination of our party, communication and politics for us to become an effective opposition.”
I would love to see the new DNC Chair send an email to the millions of people who donated to Kamala Harris’ Campaign, to other Democratic candidates up and down the ballot, and to the DNC itself – an email where Ken Martin explains how people can contribute to the Democratic Party, and to the resistance, IN OTHER WAYS than by giving money!
Imho, it would be very inspirational and hugely beneficial if Ken Martin were to immediately signal that he is looking for PARTNERS, not donors, and explain how he invites us to MOBILIZE right now.
this is where Hogg and Kenyatta can best help; youth don't have the funds available that older folks have; but, they can be huge contributors in other ways
Today is the big day at the DNC, as they seek to elect a new chair to lead the Democratic Party out of the abyss and set up for a chance at success in 2026 (provided we still have free elections by then). The main two contenders for the chair are Ben Wikler from Wisconsin and Ken Martin from Minnesota.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jan/31/dnc-chair-election
Martin wins, first ballot. He'll be fine.
I'm shocked Wikler didn't win. Any insight into why?
Martin's a well-respected state chair and has spent a ton of time building relationships with DNC members. Wikler was more popular among Democratic politicians and activist types, but they're not the ones who vote. (I'd have preferred Wikler myself based on his record in WI, but Martin is not going to do a bad job).
The job is mostly fundraising and limited state party coordination anyway.
Has been. But going forward it must be far more than that. See the quote from Simon Rosenberg.
Winning in Wisconsin is more impressive than winning in Minnesota
Maybe....but Martin's done a lot better job of winning in Minnesota than Wikler has in Wisconsin.
I’d have to familiarize myself with Martin’s history in Minnesota but if he was chosen, it’s likely because he’s got a strong strategy helping elect and re-elect Democrats in MN that can translate into other states.
Yeah, and on the first ballot. Martin led the MN Dems for 14 years after being elevated by Mark Dayton.
After I saw Third Way, Schumer and Jeffries backed Wikler, I’m glad Martin won. Although I don’t think it’s all that big of a deal.
I'm already liking what Martin is saying coming into being DNC Chair:
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/ken-martin-wins-election-chair-democratic-national-committee-rcna190018
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“We have to tap into the rich, rich, rich diversity of elected officials we have throughout this country who are actually delivering on our party values right now,” Martin said. “The DNC chair is just one spokesperson, but we have so many other spokespeople out there we should be tapping into. Instead of sending celebrities out, we should send workers out to talk to workers, we should send out other folks out to talk who are trusted messengers and validators.”
“My job is to get out there and define the Republicans,” Martin said. “I will take the low road so they can take the high road. I will throw the punches so they don’t have to, and we will go on offense against Donald Trump. That’s the role I will play as spokesperson, and I will also be the organizer-in-chief for our party.”
That’s exactly what I want to hear from him!
It's good, but why don't other Democrats need to punch Trump?
He already knows they want to be wimpy. Schumer and Jeffries backing Wikler says a lot bc they’re kind of wimpy.
I like this from Martin. I’m from MN and any time he puts out a statement, it’s a bit tougher than what I see from the national party. Wikler is better off in WI organizing the party. The DNC needs someone who will be a bulldog. Saying the DNC chair is mostly fundraising is old school. In today’s media and news landscape, it also needs to be a rapid fire response team that is present everywhere.
Yes. From what I have seen about Martin’s speech after being elected as DNC Chair, he knows how to frame the GOP.
When he’s talking about Trump and his billionaires, he’s already defining what is obvious about the GOP agenda is. He’s not afraid to do this and can certainly help the DNC from not just a fundraising aspect but from an organizing one as well.
Sounds like it's just status quo. We'll see if he can translate those lofty platitudes into action.
clearly not status quo
I don't judge Wikler by who supported him but by what he's done in Wisconsin, which is amazing.
Pelosi also backed Wikler very late in the going, likely because she assumed Wikler was going to win easily, which definitely didn't happen.
“It is time for our leaders and the new DNC to treat us as “partners in the fight, not just donors to the cause.” There has to be a total re-imagination of our party, communication and politics for us to become an effective opposition.”
– Simon Rosenberg
I would love to see the new DNC Chair send an email to the millions of people who donated to Kamala Harris’ Campaign, to other Democratic candidates up and down the ballot, and to the DNC itself – an email where Ken Martin explains how people can contribute to the Democratic Party, and to the resistance, IN OTHER WAYS than by giving money!
Imho, it would be very inspirational and hugely beneficial if Ken Martin were to immediately signal that he is looking for PARTNERS, not donors, and explain how he invites us to MOBILIZE right now.
this is where Hogg and Kenyatta can best help; youth don't have the funds available that older folks have; but, they can be huge contributors in other ways