DNC chair frontrunner offers ‘uncomfortable’ advice to Democrats after crushing loss to Trump
Ken Martin, the current chair of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party and a DNC vice chair, has emerged as the leading candidate in the race to chair the Democratic National Committee. In response to the party’s recent election losses, Martin has proposed a “massive narrative and branding project” to revamp the party’s image and engage with voters in new and innovative ways.
In his 10-point memo titled “A New DNC Framework,” Martin calls for Democrats to expand their presence in nontraditional media spaces, increase outreach to local influencers, and develop their own platforms for authentic engagement. This approach aims to counter the success of the Republican Party in reaching working class, minority, younger, and low-propensity voters through aggressive media strategies.
The memo also emphasizes the importance of competing in all 57 states and territories, organizing year-round in every county, and energizing youth mobilization. Martin acknowledges that the perception of the Democratic Party as the party of the wealthy and elites has damaged the party’s brand and calls for a recentering of the Democratic agenda to unite families across race, age, background, and class.
While Martin has secured the backing of at least 100 DNC voting members, he faces competition from other prominent candidates vying for the chairmanship. Ben Wikler, the chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, has also entered the race and is well-known among DNC voting members. Additionally, former Maryland governor and 2016 presidential candidate Martin O’Malley, New York state Sen. James Skoufis, and former U.S. Senate candidate Robert Houton are also running for the position.
The field of candidates is expected to expand further, with former Chicago mayor and Obama administration official Rahm Emanuel reportedly considering a bid. Other potential contenders include former New York State assembly member Michael Blake, Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, and Democratic strategist Chuck Rocha.
As the DNC prepares to choose its next chair at the winter meeting in Maryland, the race appears to be wide open. DNC voting members are open to hearing from all candidates and evaluating their visions and plans for the future of the party. With a focus on rebranding, engaging new audiences, and uniting Democrats across various demographics, the next DNC chair will play a crucial role in shaping the party’s electoral success in the years to come.
