Ben Wikler will use Wisconsin’s example to reshape the Democratic Party when he becomes its national leader

Wisconsin Democratic Party Chairman Ben Wikler said Dec. 1 that he had joined the race to lead the national party after Donald Trump and Republicans swept to power in the Washington election.

“We have built a permanent campaign in Wisconsin,” Wikler said in his candidacy announcement. “We organize and communicate year-round in every corner of the state – rural, suburban, urban, red, blue and purple areas alike.”

With Democrats having lost control of the White House, Senate and House of Representatives, they are looking for new leadership to address the country’s problems, with the added challenge of navigating four more years of a Trump presidency.

Top candidates for Democratic National Committee chairmanship include Ken Martin, chairman of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party and vice chairman of the national party, and Martin O’Malley, former governor of Maryland and current Social Security administrator.

The DNC will choose its successor in February, a choice that will speak volumes about how the party plans to present itself during Trump’s four more years in the White House.

The Chairman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) is the top leader of the Democratic Party and is responsible for directing its national strategy and ensuring that its political infrastructure is strong and effective. This role includes fundraising, organizing campaigns and shaping the party’s message to appeal to voters across the country.

The leader serves as the face of the party and works to unite its various factions while advancing a common agenda aimed at winning elections at all levels. A successful DNC chair must be a skilled strategist and fundraiser able to balance immediate electoral goals with long-term party-building efforts.

From coordinating grassroots efforts to deploying cutting-edge voter outreach technologies, the chair plays a critical role in determining the party’s success. It is a high-pressure position as the leader must respond to the changing political landscape while building a cohesive and competitive Democratic Party.

Wikler, who was elected state chairman in 2019, is citing his experience leading the party’s efforts in a state that leaned less toward Trump in 2024 than other battlegrounds and where Democrats won key contests.

He said that during his term, Democrats flipped the majority on the Wisconsin Supreme Court and reelected Tony Evers as governor. This year, the state brought back Sen. Tammy Baldwin for a third term and reclaimed 14 state legislative seats, which he said puts Democrats on track for majorities in both chambers in 2026.

“What made a difference in Wisconsin can make a difference anywhere,” Wikler said.

Wikler, 43, has served as Washington director for MoveOn.org, a progressive advocacy group, and as campaign director for Avaaz, a group that mobilizes members to address issues such as poverty, climate change and human rights.

Wikler said on CNN’s “Inside Politics Sunday” on Dec. 1 that Democrats need to show Americans that “we are on their side and show who the Republicans are for.” If we don’t, we will lose.”