Wikler to decide soon on DNC chair job, WI Democrats encourage him to run

 

MADISON Wis. (CBS 58) -- Could a Wisconsinite become the next leader of the Democratic National Committee?

It's possible as some political insiders from the Badger State believe they have the right person for the job.

Ben Wikler, chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, is "seriously considering" the national leadership role as the party looks to regroup heading into a second Trump administration.

He's among many high-profile names being floated to become chair of the Democratic National Committee with current chairman Jaime Harrison not planning on seeking reelection.

Wikler will decide whether he'll enter the race after Thanksgiving, according to a source.

Candidates who have already announced their running are Ken Martin, chair of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, and Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley. Others seriously considering a bid include Michigan Sen. Mallory McMorrow and Chuck Rocha, a Democratic Strategist.

University of Wisconsin-Madison Political Science Professor Barry Burden said Wikler's fundraising capabilities and winning record in a battleground state helps him stand out in the crowded field.

"He's appealing to Democrats all over the place," Burden said. "Democrats here would like to hold onto him of course because he's been so successful, but they also see the value and the need to do something different at the national level."

Since becoming state chair in 2019, Wikler has raised more than $150 million for Wisconsin Democrats. It's the largest amount raised by any state party chair in the country, according to sources familiar with fundraising totals.

Wikler's record also includes helping Democrats win nine of the last 12 statewide elections.

"I think he'll do it, and I think he'll probably win," said Tanya Bjork, a Democratic strategist who recently worked on Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign in Wisconsin and served as campaign director for former President Barack Obama.

If Wikler decides to move up in the ranks, Bjork believes the state party will be on solid ground which will allow someone else to build upon what he started.

"He has left a footprint that I think is lasting," Bjork said. "Whoever steps into that role, I think will be able to take what he's done and add more to it. He hasn't left the party in a place where it's all or nothing. He's built a strong organization.

In January, the DNC will host four candidate forums which will be a mix of in-person and virtual. Then on Feb. 1 party leaders plan to elect its chair.

Wisconsin Democrats Tout Wikler

Democratic congressman Rep. Mark Pocan was one of the first to vocally express support for Wikler posting on "X" he'd "be a great" chair.

"Thanks to @benwikler, the great WI Dem Party Chair, we had the strongest results of any swing state on Nov. 5. & almost the best of any state, period. We also picked up 10 seats in the State Assembly & 4 in the State Senate. And we reelected Tammy Baldwin. Be a great @DNC Chair."

Senator Tammy Baldwin, who narrowly defeated her GOP opponent to secure a third term also spoke highly of Wikler.

"If he's in the race, I'm going to be his most enthusiastic champion," Baldwin said.