2025 Democratic National Committee chairmanship election
2025 Democratic National Committee chairmanship election
The 2025 Democratic National Committee chairmanship election is expected to be held on February 1, 2025, at the party's winter meeting in National Harbor, Maryland , to determine the next chairperson of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). Jaime Harrison has announced that he will not seek another term as chair of the party.
Background
Jaime Harrison Harrison was elected chair of the Democratic National Committee in January 2021, following the presidential election of Joe Biden in 2020 . During his tenure, Harrison defended Biden from calls to suspend his 2024 re-election campaign amid the first 2024 presidential debate . Following the 2024 United States presidential election , in which Democratic vice president Kamala Harris was defeated by Republican former president Donald Trump , it was reported that Harrison would not seek re-election as chair of the Democratic National Committee in 2025. An all-staff meeting was held on November 6, 2024, to discuss the results of the election and a potential timeline for a leadership vote,[ 1] [ 2]
Harrison officially announced that he would not seek re-election as DNC chair on November 25, 2024. The election to determine the next chair will be held during the party's winter meeting on February 1, 2025, during which 448 DNC members will vote on a chair; a simple majority of votes is required to win.[ 3]
Timeline
November 6, 2024 – Reuters reports that Jaime Harrison will not seek re-election as chair of the Democratic National Committee in 2025 following the party's defeat in the 2024 United States presidential election .[ 1]
December 12, 2024 – Meeting of the Democratic National Committee's Rules and Bylaws Committee voted on the chair election process.[ 4]
January 2025 – Four candidate forums featuring qualifying candidates will be held.[ 5]
February 1, 2025 – Election to be held by party voting members at the DNC's Winter Meeting.[ 3]
Candidates
In order to qualify as a candidate for chair, prospective candidates had to submit a nominating statement signed by 40 DNC members by January 25, 2025.[ 6]
Declared
Quintessa Hathaway, educator and nominee for Arkansas's 2nd congressional district 2022 [ 7]
Robert Houton, nonprofit executive and candidate in the 2024 United States Senate election in Maryland [ 8]
Ken Martin , vice chair of the Democratic National Committee (2017–present) and chair of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (2011–present)[ 9] Martin O'Malley , commissioner of the Social Security Administration (2023–2024), former governor of Maryland (2007–2015), and candidate for president in 2016 [ 10] Jason Paul, executive member of the Newton, Massachusetts Democratic City Committee (2016–present)[ 11]
Faiz Shakir , campaign manager for Bernie Sanders 's 2020 presidential campaign [ 12] Nate Snyder, former United States Department of Homeland Security official[ 13]
Ben Wikler , chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party (2019–present)[ 14] Marianne Williamson , author and candidate for president in 2020 and 2024 [ 15]
Nonprofit executiveRobert Houton
Withdrawn
Declined
Stacey Abrams , former minority leader of the Georgia House of Representatives (2011–2017) from the 84th district (2007–2013) and 89th district (2013–2017) and candidate for governor of Georgia in 2018 and 2022 [ 2] (endorsed Wikler) [ 17] Andy Beshear , governor of Kentucky (2019–present)[ 2] (endorsed Wikler) [ 18] Michael Blake , former vice chair of the Democratic National Committee (2017–2021) (running for mayor of New York City and for DNC vice chair of civic engagement) [ 19] Sherrod Brown , U.S. senator from Ohio (2007–2025)[ 20] Laphonza Butler , U.S. senator from California (2023–2024) and former president of EMILY's List (2021–2023)[ 21] Pete Buttigieg , U.S. Secretary of Transportation (2021–2025), former mayor of South Bend (2012–2020), and candidate for DNC chair in 2017 and president in 2020 [ 2] Rahm Emanuel , U.S. Ambassador to Japan (2022–2025) and former mayor of Chicago (2011–2019)[ 22] Marcia Fudge , former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (2021–2024) and U.S. Representative from Ohio's 11th congressional district [ 23] (endorsed O'Malley) [ 24] Mitch Landrieu , senior advisor to the president for Infrastructure Investment and Jobs (2021–2024) and former mayor of New Orleans (2010–2018)[ 25] (endorsed O'Malley) [ 26] Mallory McMorrow , majority whip of the Michigan Senate (2023–present) from the 8th district (2019–present)[ 27] (endorsed Wikler) [ 28] Phil Murphy , governor of New Jersey (2018–present)[ 29] Dean Phillips , former U.S. Representative from Minnesota's 3rd congressional district (2019–2025) and candidate for president in 2024 [ 30] (endorsed Martin) [ 31] Chuck Rocha , political strategist[ 32]
Forums and debates
The party will host forums for candidates,[ 3] [ 6] [ 33]
Debates among candidates for the 2025 Democratic National Committee chairmanship election
No.
Date and time
Place
Host
Link
Participants
P Present
I Invited
A Absent N Not invited
NYD Not yet declared candidacy
W Withdrawn
Hathaway
Martin O'Malley Paul
Shakir Skoufis Snyder
Wikler Williamson
1[ 34]
December 7, 2024
Boston, MA
Young Democrats of America
YouTube
N
P
P
N
NYD
P
N
P
NYD
2[ 35]
January 6, 2025
Virtual
DNC Labor Council
YouTube
P
P
P
P
NYD
P
P
P
P
3[ 36] [ 37]
January 11, 2025
Virtual
Democratic National Committee
YouTube
P
P
P
P
NYD
P
P
P
P
4
January 14, 2025
Virtual
Brian Tyler Cohen YouTube
P
P
P
P
NYD
P
A
P
P
5[ 38] [ 39]
January 16, 2025
Detroit, MI
Democratic National CommitteePolitico
YouTube
P
P
P
P
N
W
P
P
P
6[ 40]
January 23, 2025
Virtual
Democratic National Committee
YouTube
P
P
P
P
N
W
P
P
P
7[ 41]
January 24, 2025
Charleston, SC
Democratic National CommitteeSouth Carolina Democratic Party
YouTube
P
P
P
P
A
W
P
P
A
8[ 40] [ 42]
January 30, 2025
Washington, D.C.
Democratic National CommitteeMSNBC
TBD
I
I
I
I
I
W
I
I
I
Endorsements
Ken Martin
U.S. senators U.S. representatives Statewide officials State legislators Party officials 200 DNC members,[ 47]
51 state party chairs and vice chairs[ 48]
The entire Democratic Party delegations in eight states[ 17]
James Zogby , president of the Arab American Institute , DNC Ethnic Council chair, and former DNC Executive Committee member (2001–2017)[ 49] Organizations Martin O'Malley
Executive Branch officials U.S. senators U.S. representatives Mayors Party officials Labor unions Ben Wikler
Executive Branch officials U.S. senators U.S. representatives Statewide officials Jocelyn Benson , Michigan Secretary of State (2019–present)[ 59] Andy Beshear , Governor of Kentucky (2019–present)[ 18] Tony Evers , Governor of Wisconsin (2019–present)[ 18] Garlin Gilchrist , Lieutenant Governor of Michigan (2019–present)[ 59] Maura Healey , Governor of Massachusetts (2023–present)[ 18] Kathy Hochul , Governor of New York (2021–present)[ 65] Daniel Hynes , former Illinois Comptroller (1999–2011)[ 65] Laura Kelly , Governor of Kansas (2019–present)[ 18] Tina Kotek , Governor of Oregon (2023–present)[ 18] Michelle Lujan Grisham , Governor of New Mexico (2019–present)[ 18] Janet Mills , Governor of Maine (2019–present)[ 18] Gretchen Whitmer , Governor of Michigan (2019–present)[ 18] State legislators Individuals Jonathan Cowan , president and co-founder of Third Way [ 67] Jon Favreau , co-host of Pod Save America [ 31] Michelle Goldberg , columnist[ 68] John Nichols , author, associate editor of The Cap Times , and national affairs correspondent for The Nation magazine[ 69] Becky Pringle , president of the National Education Association (2020–present)[ 70] Jennifer Rubin , columnist[ 71] Lee Saunders , president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (2012–present)[ 70] April Verrett, president of the Service Employees International Union (2024–present)[ 70]
Randi Weingarten , president of the American Federation of Teachers (2008–present)[ 70] Party officials Organizations Labor unions Newspapers Declined to endorse
Organizations Association of State Democratic Committees[ 77] Statewide officials Labor unions Party officials Jonathan Jackson (undeclared)
James Skoufis (withdrawn)
Rahm Emanuel (declined to run)
U.S. representatives Party officials
Results
Candidate secured enough votes to win election Candidate secured a plurality of votes in the round Candidate withdrew
References
^ a b Jarrett Renshaw (November 6, 2024). "Democratic Party chair Harrison won't seek new term after Trump win, sources say" . Reuters . ^ a b c d Merica, Dan; Peoples, Steve (November 9, 2024). "The Democrats are starting to discuss party chair candidates for the second Trump era" . Associated Press . Retrieved November 18, 2024 . ^ a b c d Murray, Isabella (November 25, 2024). "DNC chair election set for Feb. 1, party official says" . ABC News . Retrieved November 25, 2024 . ^ "DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee Votes to Recommend 2025 Rules of Procedure for Election of DNC Officers" . Democrats . December 12, 2024. Retrieved January 3, 2025 .^ Schneider, Elena (November 25, 2024). "DNC announces candidate forums, sets chair election for Feb. 1" . Politico . Retrieved November 25, 2024 . ^ a b Tomasello, Adrianna (December 12, 2024). "DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee Votes to Recommend 2025 Rules of Procedure for Election of DNC Officers" . democrats.org (Press release). Democratic National Committee. Retrieved December 13, 2024 . ^ a b Epstein, Reid J. (January 5, 2025). "As Democrats Reel, Two Front-Runners Emerge in a Leadership Battle" . The New York Times . Retrieved January 5, 2025 . ^ Walsh, Kelsey; Shepherd, Brittany (December 1, 2024). "Two more Democrats join race for Democratic National Committee chair" . ABC News . Retrieved December 1, 2024 . ^ Epstein, Reid J. (November 19, 2024). "Ken Martin, a Minnesotan With Deep Democratic Ties, Joins the D.N.C. Race" The New York Times . Retrieved November 19, 2024 . ^ Epstein, Reid J. (November 18, 2024). "Martin O'Malley, Ex-Maryland Governor, Kicks Off Race to Lead D.N.C." The New York Times . Retrieved November 18, 2024 . ^ McGonigle, Bryan (December 5, 2024). "Newton Democrat running for DNC chair" . Newton Beacon . Retrieved December 5, 2024 . ^ Goldmacher, Shane; Epstein, Reid (January 15, 2024). "Faiz Shakir, Ex-Bernie Sanders Campaign Chief, Joins Race for D.N.C. Chair" . The New York Times . Retrieved January 15, 2024 . ^ Shalal, Andrea (December 10, 2024). "Latino security expert Nate Snyder joins race to be Democratic party chair" . Reuters . Retrieved December 11, 2024 . ^ Epstein, Reid J. (December 1, 2024). "Wisconsin Democratic Chair Says He Is the One to Revive a Distressed Party" . The New York Times . Retrieved December 1, 2024 . ^ Mueller, Julia (December 26, 2024). "Marianne Williamson launches bid for DNC chair" . The Hill . Retrieved December 26, 2024 . ^ a b Schneider, Elena (January 16, 2025). "Ken Martin gets another endorsement in DNC race as James Skoufis drops out" . POLITICO . Retrieved January 16, 2025 . ^ a b c d Booker, Brakkton (January 13, 2025). "Abrams endorses Wikler in DNC race" . Politico . Retrieved January 13, 2025 . ^ a b c d e f g h i Shepherd, Brittany; Kerr, Nicholas (January 23, 2025). "7 governors back Ben Wikler for DNC chair: Exclusive" . ABC News . Retrieved January 23, 2025 . ^ Levien, Simon J. (November 28, 2024). "Who Might Be the Next Chair of the Democratic Party?" . The New York Times . Retrieved January 6, 2025 . ^ Kuttner, Robert (November 11, 2024). "Who Will Lead the Democratic Party?" . The American Prospect . Retrieved November 18, 2024 . ^ Mehta, Seema (November 18, 2024). "Laphonza Butler reflects on her brief Senate career, the presidential race and her future" . Los Angeles Times . Retrieved November 18, 2024 . ^ "Rahm Emanuel 'not interested' in DNC chair, but far from done with politics" . Chicago Sun-Times . December 4, 2024. Retrieved December 4, 2024 .^ Haines, Errin (December 6, 2024). "Why aren't Black women in the conversation to lead the Democratic Party?" . The 19th . Retrieved December 6, 2024 . ^ a b c d Vitali, Ali (January 6, 2025). "Martin O'Malley snags DNC chair endorsements from current and former Black members of Congress" . NBC News . Retrieved January 6, 2025 . ^ Marans, Daniel (November 18, 2024). "Mitch Landrieu, A Harris Campaign Leader, Rules Out DNC Chair Run" . HuffPost . Retrieved November 18, 2024 . ^ a b c d e f Vakil, Caroline (January 9, 2025). "Over 50 current, former mayors endorse Martin O'Malley in DNC chair bid" . The Hill . Retrieved January 9, 2025 . ^ Vakil, Caroline (December 17, 2024). "Michigan state lawmaker passes on DNC chair position" . The Hill . Retrieved December 18, 2024 . ^ a b Vakil, Caroline (January 14, 2025). "Michigan lawmaker who spoke at Dem convention endorses Wikler for DNC chair" . The Hill . Retrieved January 14, 2025 . ^ Lesniewski, Niels; McIntire, Mary Ellen; Altimari, Daniela (November 14, 2024). "At the Races: The Leftovers" . Roll Call . Retrieved November 18, 2024 . This morning, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy ruled out a run, according to ABC News. ^ Smiley, Tavis (January 8, 2025). "Congressman Dean Phillips joins Tavis Smiley" . KBLA Talk 1580. Retrieved January 9, 2025 . ^ a b c d Otterbein, Holly; Schneider, Elena (November 12, 2024). "The biggest clue about the Democrats' post-election future starts with this race" . Politico . Retrieved November 18, 2024 . ^ "Who should lead the Democratic party? Analysts discuss" . CNN . December 5, 2024. Retrieved December 5, 2024 .^ Merica, Dan (November 25, 2024). "Democrats plan to elect new party leader just days after Trump's inauguration" . Associated Press . Retrieved December 6, 2024 . ^ Roy, Yash (December 8, 2024). "Young Democrats of America host first DNC chairman race candidates forum" . The Hill . Retrieved December 8, 2024 . ^ Craig, Berry (January 3, 2025). "DNC Labor Council Virtual Party Chair Candidate Forum" . Kentucky State AFL-CIO . Retrieved January 10, 2025 . ^ Tomasello, Adrianna (January 7, 2025). "ADVISORY: DNC Announces Qualifying Candidates, Moderators, and Additional Details for First DNC Officer Forum on January 11" . Democrats . Retrieved January 11, 2025 . ^ Fields, Ashleigh (January 11, 2025). "Democrats debate strategy, voter protection at first candidate forum" . The Hill . Retrieved January 12, 2025 . ^ Manchester, Julia (January 16, 2025). "DNC to hold first in-person candidate forum in Detroit" . The Hill . Retrieved January 10, 2025 . ^ Tomasello, Adrianna (January 10, 2025). "ADVISORY: DNC and POLITICO to Host DNC Officer Forum in Detroit, Michigan on January 16 - Democrats" . Democrats . Democratic National Committee. Retrieved January 13, 2025 . ^ a b Wren, Adam (December 24, 2024). "Playbook: Honey, I shrunk the DNC chair" . Politico . Retrieved December 24, 2024 . ^ Brams, Sophie (January 10, 2025). "South Carolina Democrats, DNC to host forum with Chair candidates in Charleston" . Count on News 2 . Retrieved January 11, 2025 . ^ Johnson, Ted (January 22, 2025). "MSNBC To Host Forum For Candidates To Lead Democratic National Committee" . Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved January 22, 2025 . ^ Shepherd, Brittany; Kerr, Nicholas (January 21, 2025). "Democrats look to define dynamics of race for party chair" . ABC News . Retrieved January 21, 2025 . ^ a b c d Long, Hank (December 24, 2024). "Walz declines to endorse Ken Martin in race for DNC chair" . Alpha News . Retrieved December 25, 2024 . Walz answered, before making it clear he won't make an endorsement for DNC chair. ^ Long, Hank (November 19, 2024). "Ken Martin launches bid for DNC chair" . Alpha News . Retrieved November 19, 2024 . ^ a b Epstein, Reid J. (January 9, 2025). "Tim Walz Endorses Ken Martin, a Fellow Minnesotan, to Lead the D.N.C." The New York Times . Retrieved January 9, 2025 . ^ a b c Epstein, Reid J. (January 24, 2025). "Ken Martin Emerges as a Heavy Favorite in the Race to Lead the DNC" . The New York Times . Retrieved January 24, 2025 . ^ Woodall, Hunter (January 13, 2025). "Minnesotan Ken Martin's bid to be DNC chair gains more public endorsements - CBS News" . CBS News . Retrieved January 13, 2025 . ^ Otterbein, Holly (November 19, 2024). "Ken Martin jumps into race for DNC chair" . Politico . Retrieved November 19, 2024 . ^ Minnesota Young DFL (MYDFL) (December 21, 2024). "MYDFL is endorsing DFL Chair Ken Martin for the DNC chair position in the upcoming election. And if there's one thing we've learned from experience here in Minnesota, it's that Ken comes through. Yeah, we're movin' with Martin #KMart4DNC" . Facebook. Retrieved December 25, 2024 . ^ a b c Rampani, Lori (November 26, 2024). "Dem. Lawmakers endorse former MD Gov. and Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley for DNC Chair" . WBFF . Retrieved November 26, 2024 . ^ Cohen, Max; Soellner, Mica (January 9, 2025). "Jeffries to host DNC candidates in competitive chair race" . Punchbowl News . Retrieved January 9, 2025 . ^ Swick, Carson; Conrad, Brooke (January 15, 2025). "Race for DNC chair: Some see Maryland's O'Malley as a 'proven political winner.' Some don't" . The Baltimore Sun . Retrieved January 15, 2025 . ^ "IFPTE Endorses Gov. O'Malley for Democratic National Committee Chair" . IFPTE . January 17, 2025. Retrieved January 18, 2025 .^ Peoples, Steve (January 15, 2025). "Faiz Shakir, Bernie Sanders' former campaign chief, enters DNC race" . Associated Press . Retrieved January 15, 2025 . ^ Reich, Robert (December 1, 2024). "Wikler for Chair" . Robert Reich . Substack. Retrieved December 1, 2024 . ^ a b Andrea, Lawrence (November 19, 2024). "Wisconsin Democratic leader Ben Wikler seen as a contender to lead the DNC" . Milwaukee Journal Sentinel . Retrieved November 19, 2024 . ^ a b c d e "Wikler campaign: Four largest public sector unions endorse Ben Wikler for DNC Chair" . Wispolitics.com . Retrieved January 16, 2025 .^ a b c d e "Wikler campaign: Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson endorses Ben Wikler for DNC Chair ahead of Detroit DNC forum" . WisPolitics . January 15, 2025. Retrieved January 16, 2025 .^ DaBruzzi, Anthony (January 3, 2025). " . Spectrum News 1 . Retrieved January 6, 2025 . ^ Schneider, Elena (January 2, 2025). "Schumer backs Wisconsin's Wikler for DNC chair" . Politico . Retrieved January 2, 2025 . ^ Weigel, David (December 2, 2024). "DNC leadership race heats up as Wisconsin party chair Ben Wikler joins competition" . Semafor . Retrieved December 2, 2024 . ^ Wise, David (November 18, 2024). "Johnson tells 'UpFront' questions 'remain unanswered' in Hovde-Baldwin race" . WisPolitics . Retrieved November 18, 2024 . ^ "Wikler campaign: Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky chair of the International Workers' Rights Caucus, endorses Ben Wikler for DNC Chair" . WisPolitics (Press release). January 13, 2025. Retrieved January 13, 2025 .^ a b Epstein, Reid (January 24, 2025). "Contenders to Lead the Democratic Party Scramble to Show Momentum" . New York Times . Retrieved January 24, 2025 . ^ Roth, Andrew (January 17, 2025). "DNC chair candidates embrace Biden's oligarchy warning" . Michigan Advance . Retrieved January 17, 2025 . ^ "Even Centrists Agree: Ben Wikler for DNC Chair" . Politico . December 4, 2024. Retrieved January 8, 2025 .^ Goldberg, Michelle (December 2, 2024). "If Anyone Can Save the Democrats, It's Ben Wikler" . The New York Times . Retrieved December 4, 2024 . ^ Nichols, John (December 1, 2024). "Ben Wikler is a party builder" . The Capital Times . Retrieved January 15, 2025 . ^ a b c d "AFSCME, AFT, NEA and SEIU presidents endorse Ben Wikler as chair of the Democratic National Committee" . January 16, 2025. Retrieved January 16, 2025 .^ Rubin, Jennifer (November 25, 2024). "Dems' future — and democracy itself — might depend on the DNC chairman pick" . The Washington Post . Retrieved November 25, 2024 . ^ Daniels, Eugene (January 6, 2025). "Playbook: The storm arrives in Washington" . Politico . Retrieved January 6, 2025 . ^ Stuart, Tessa (December 20, 2024). "The Race for DNC Chair Is a Midwest Nice Fight" . Rolling Stone . Retrieved December 20, 2024 . ^ Manchester, Julia (December 4, 2024). "Wikler wins endorsements for DNC from MoveOn.org executive director, PCCC" . The Hill . Retrieved December 5, 2024 . ^ Manchester, Julia (December 4, 2024). "Third Way backing Wisconsin's Ben Wikler for DNC chair" . The Hill . Retrieved December 4, 2024 . ^ "Editorial | Ben Wikler should be the DNC chair" . The Cap Times . December 4, 2024. Retrieved December 4, 2024 .^ John, Arit. "Democrats search for a leader to rebuild as the party figures out what comes next" . Retrieved January 13, 2025 . Others have pointed to the news that the Association of State Democratic Committees, the group Martin chairs that represents the largest voting bloc in the DNC, decided this week not to endorse a candidate. ^ Svitek, Patrick (January 19, 2025). "After November losses, Democrats vie to lead DNC in restless race" . The Washington Post . Retrieved January 19, 2025 . ^ Sweet, Lynn (January 6, 2025). "Rep. Jonathan Jackson mulling a long-shot, late bid to chair the Democratic National Committee" . Chicago Sun-Times . Retrieved January 7, 2025 . ^ Israel, Steve (November 20, 2024). "Run, Rahm, run: Why Emanuel should lead the DNC" . The Hill . Retrieved November 20, 2024 . ^ Kurtz, Josh (November 13, 2024). "O'Malley ponders bid to lead dispirited DNC" . Maryland Matters . Retrieved November 18, 2024 .
External links
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