Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer has thrown his support behind Ben Wikler to lead the Democratic National Committee, providing a significant boost for the Wisconsin state party leader in a race that has garnered limited attention and few notable endorsements.
Background of the DNC Chair Race
The endorsement from Schumer, initially revealed to POLITICO, comes as the Democratic party gears up for a month-long campaign to determine the next DNC chair, with four candidate forums scheduled for January. Following the party’s setbacks in the November elections, the committee members will convene to elect their new chair on Feb. 1.
Schumer lauded Wikler as a “tenacious organizer,” a “proven fundraiser,” and a “sharp communicator” in his statement. He specifically praised Wikler’s efforts in 2024, when Wisconsin Democrats successfully defended their Senate seat and flipped 14 state legislative seats, despite not winning the state in the presidential election.
“Ben possesses the essential qualities that Democrats require at this crucial juncture – demonstrated outcomes. That’s why I am endorsing Ben,” stated Schumer.
Support Across the Political Spectrum
Despite his progressive background from his time as a senior adviser at MoveOn, Wikler has received commendations from various political figures, ranging from Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), the chair of the progressive caucus, to Jonthan Cowan, the co-founder of the centrist organization Third Way. The current DNC chair race has not followed the typical moderate versus progressive divide, with candidates focusing more on practical strategies for party revitalization. Wikler faces competition from another Midwestern state party chair, Ken Martin of Minnesota, who initially led the race with endorsements from 100 out of 448 DNC members.
Other contenders in the DNC chair race include former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Marianne Williamson, former Department of Homeland Security official Nate Snyder, and New York state Senator James Skoufis.
Schumer’s History of Endorsements
Schumer, who served as the Senate majority leader until the recent shift in power, has previously backed progressive candidates for the DNC chair position. In 2017, he joined Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren in supporting Keith Ellison. However, Ellison lost the election to Tom Perez, who had endorsements from former Vice President Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama. Ellison now supports Martin, Wikler’s primary competitor in the current race.
Wikler, in response to Schumer’s endorsement, emphasized the critical nature of the moment, stating, “As DNC Chair, I will collaborate closely with leaders across our diverse party to unite us around our core principles and fight for our values in every state. We will demonstrate to voters that we stand for working families everywhere by engaging in battles that showcase our priorities and contrast with the agenda of Trump and the GOP.”