Democratic National Committee (DNC) elected Ken Martin as its new chair, succeeding Jaime Harrison.
On February 1, 2025, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) elected Ken Martin as its new chair, taking over from Jaime Harrison. Martin, who has been at the helm of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party since 2011, won 246.5 out of 428 votes in a competitive race against Ben Wikler.
In his acceptance speech, Martin stressed the importance of uniting the Democratic Party and prioritizing election wins at every level of government. He introduced a new framework for the DNC, built on three key pillars: Build to Win, Build to Expand, and Build to Last.
The newly elected DNC officers are:
- Chair: Ken Martin
- Vice Chair for Civic Engagement and Voter Participation: Reyna Walters-Morgan
- Vice Chairs: Artie Blanco, Malcolm Kenyatta, and David Hogg
- Secretary: Jason Rae
- Treasurer: Virginia McGregor
- National Finance Chair: Chris Korge
Martin’s election follows significant Democratic losses in the 2024 elections, including the presidency and the House. As DNC chair, Martin is tasked with fundraising, candidate recruitment, and strategizing for future elections in the face of a potential second Trump presidency.
The DNC plans to become a more dynamic force, particularly after losing control of both the White House and Congress. Martin has promised a more aggressive approach. However, his selection marks the end of a streak of female or minority leadership at the DNC, sparking some criticism.
Looking ahead, the process of setting the primary calendar for 2028 is expected to stir up tension, with New Hampshire poised to challenge any attempt to sideline its longstanding tradition of holding the first-in-the-nation primary.
As the DNC moves forward, Martin’s leadership will be key in overcoming these challenges and steering the party toward future success.
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