2025 Democratic National Committee chairmanship election
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448 members of the DNC who will vote 225 votes needed to win | |||
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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
[edit]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] which is expected to be held no later than March 1, 2025.[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
[edit]- 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 to vote on the chair election process.[4]
- January 2025 – Four candidate forums featuring qualifying candidates will be held.[4]
- February 1, 2025 – Election to be held by party voting members at the DNC's Winter Meeting.[3]
Candidates
[edit]In order to qualify as a candidate for chair, one must submit a nominating statement signed by 40 DNC members by January 25, 2025.[5]
Declared
[edit]- Robert Houton, nonprofit executive and candidate in the 2024 United States Senate election in Maryland[6]
- Ken Martin, vice chair of the Democratic National Committee (2017–present) and chair of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (2011–present)[7]
- Martin O'Malley, commissioner of the Social Security Administration (2023–2024), former governor of Maryland (2007–2015), and candidate for president in 2016[8]
- Jason Paul, executive member of the Newton, Massachusetts Democratic City Committee (2016–present)[9]
- James Skoufis, member of the New York State Senate (2019–present) and former member of the New York State Assembly (2013–2018)[10]
- Nate Snyder, former United States Department of Homeland Security official[11]
- Ben Wikler, chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party (2019–present)[12]
-
Nonprofit executive
Robert Houton -
-
-
-
Potential
[edit]- Beto O'Rourke, former U.S. Representative from Texas's 16th congressional district (2013–2019), nominee for U.S. senator in 2018, candidate for president in 2020, and nominee for governor of Texas in 2022[2]
- Max Rose, former U.S. representative from New York's 11th congressional district (2019–2021)[13]
- Stephanie Schriock, former president of EMILY's List (2010–2021)[14]
- Faiz Shakir, campaign manager for Bernie Sanders's 2020 presidential campaign[15]
Declined
[edit]- 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]
- Andy Beshear, governor of Kentucky (2019–present)[2]
- 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)[16][better source needed]
- Sherrod Brown, U.S. senator from Ohio (2007–present)[17]
- Laphonza Butler, U.S. senator from California (2023–2024) and former president of EMILY's List (2021–2023)[18]
- Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Secretary of Transportation (2021–present), 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–present) and former mayor of Chicago (2011–2019)[19]
- Marcia Fudge, former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (2021–2024) and U.S. Representative from Ohio's 11th congressional district (2008–2021)[20]
- Mitch Landrieu, senior advisor to the president for Infrastructure Investment and Jobs (2021–2024) and former mayor of New Orleans (2010–2018)[21]
- Mallory McMorrow, majority whip of the Michigan Senate (2023–present) from the 8th district (2019–present)[22]
- Phil Murphy, governor of New Jersey (2018–present)[23]
- Chuck Rocha, political strategist[24]
Forums and debates
[edit]The party will host forums for candidates,[3] who will need to submit the signatures of 40 DNC members to participate in forums.[5] Each of the forums will be livestreamed.[25]
No. | Date and time | Place | Host | Link | Participants | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
P Present
A Absent |
Houton | Martin | O'Malley | Paul | Skoufis | Snyder | Wikler | ||||
1[26] | December 7, 2024 4:45 pm ET |
Boston, MA | Young Democrats of America |
YouTube | N | P | P | N | P | N | P |
Endorsements
[edit]- U.S. representatives
- Dean Phillips, MN-03 (2019–present) and candidate for president in 2024[27]
- Statewide officials
- Keith Ellison, attorney general of Minnesota (2019–present) and candidate for DNC chair in 2017[28]
- Party officials
- More than 100 DNC members,[29] including:
- Jane Kleeb, chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party (2016–present)[30]
- James Zogby, president of the Arab American Institute, DNC Ethnic Council chair, and former DNC Executive Committee member (2001–2017)[31]
- U.S. senators
- Angela Alsobrooks, Maryland (2025–present)[32]
- Ben Cardin, Maryland (2007–2025)[32]
- Chris Van Hollen, Maryland (2017–present)[32]
- Party officials
- 3 DNC members[33]
- Executive Branch officials
- Robert Reich, former U.S. Secretary of Labor (1993–1997)[34]
- U.S. senators
- Tammy Baldwin, Wisconsin (2013–present)[35]
- U.S. representatives
- Pramila Jayapal, WA-07 (2017–present) and chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (2021–present)[27]
- Gwen Moore, WI-04 (2005–present)[36]
- Mark Pocan, WI-02 (2013–present)[37]
- Individuals
- Jon Favreau, co-host of Pod Save America[27]
- Michelle Goldberg, columnist[38]
- Jennifer Rubin, columnist[39]
- Party officials
- Mike Tate, former chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party (2009–2015)[35]
- Organizations
- Newspapers
- Party officials
- Jaime Harrison, chair of the Democratic National Committee (2021–present)[3]
- U.S. representatives
- Steve Israel, NY-03 (2001–2017)[43]
- Party officials
- David Axelrod, political consultant[14]
References
[edit]- ^ 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 e 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.
- ^ a b 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Epstein, Reid (November 30, 2024). "After Democratic Losses, a Little-Known Lawmaker Wants to Lead the Party". The New York Times. Retrieved November 30, 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.
- ^ Wren, Adam; Otterbein, Holly; Kashinsky, Lisa (November 15, 2024). "Centrist Dems seize opening at the DNC: 'I don't want to be the freak show party'". Politico. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
- ^ a b Kurtz, Josh (November 13, 2024). "O'Malley ponders bid to lead dispirited DNC". Maryland Matters. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
- ^ Otterbein, Holly; Schneider, Elena (December 1, 2024). "Ken Martin emerges as early front-runner in race to lead Democrats as DNC chair". Politico. Retrieved December 1, 2024.
- ^ Lewis, Rebecca (December 5, 2024). "Newly announced NYC mayoral candidate Michael Blake has dropped a potenetial bid for DNC chair in favor of running for vice chair of civic engagement. He floated a run for DNC as recently as last week, and has previously served as a vice chair". Twitter. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Marans, Daniel (November 18, 2024). "Mitch Landrieu, A Harris Campaign Leader, Rules Out DNC Chair Run". HuffPost. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
- ^ Vakil, Caroline (December 17, 2024). "Michigan state lawmaker passes on DNC chair position". The Hill. Retrieved December 18, 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ a b c 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.
- ^ Long, Hank (November 19, 2024). "Ken Martin launches bid for DNC chair". Alpha News. Retrieved November 19, 2024.
- ^ Marans, Daniel (November 21, 2024). "Why Ken Martin Wants To Lead The Democratic National Committee". HuffPost. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
- ^ Allen, Jonathan; Korecki, Natasha (November 18, 2024). "DNC Chair race officially takes flight with its first candidate: Martin O'Malley". NBC News. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
- ^ Otterbein, Holly (November 19, 2024). "Ken Martin jumps into race for DNC chair". Politico. Retrieved November 19, 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.
- ^ Ferris, Sarah; John, Arit (November 18, 2024). "DNC chair election kicks off as former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley enters the race | CNN Politics". CNN. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Goldberg, Michelle (December 2, 2024). "If Anyone Can Save the Democrats, It's Ben Wikler". The New York Times. Retrieved December 4, 2024.
- ^ Rubin, Jennifer (November 25, 2024). "Dems' future — and democracy itself — might depend on the DNC chairman pick". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 25, 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.
- ^ Israel, Steve (November 20, 2024). "Run, Rahm, run: Why Emanuel should lead the DNC". The Hill. Retrieved November 20, 2024.