Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has publicly endorsed Ben Wikler, the current chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, for the role of Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). This endorsement follows a similar one from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) earlier in the month.
Pelosi praised Wikler for his work in organizing large-scale grassroots efforts, his role in protecting healthcare through the advocacy group MoveOn, and his success in securing key Democratic victories in Wisconsin, such as the elections of Justice Janet Protasiewicz and Senator Tammy Baldwin. She expressed confidence in his ability to lead the DNC, stating that his leadership would help strengthen the party and drive future Democratic victories. Pelosi emphasized her long history with the DNC and the importance of grassroots activism in its success.
In response, Wikler expressed his gratitude for Pelosi’s support and framed the DNC chair race as a critical moment for the Democratic Party. He promised to unite the party and lead it through the challenges ahead, focusing on delivering tangible victories that would positively impact the lives of Americans.
Wikler’s candidacy has also been bolstered by endorsements from a variety of organizations within the Democratic Party, ranging from centrist groups like Third Way to more progressive organizations like the Progressive Change Campaign Committee. He faces competition from other Democratic figures in the DNC chair race, including former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, Minnesota state party chair Ken Martin, and Faiz Shakir, who previously managed Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign.
With the DNC chair election set for Saturday, Schumer has emphasized the need for the party to reflect on the 2024 election results and move forward stronger. His endorsement, alongside Pelosi’s, further solidifies Wikler as a leading candidate for the position.