DNC to elect new chair as party grapples with how to rebuild after 2024 losses

Candidates seem to agree Democratic party needs to move in a new direction but have squabbled over best strategies

Members of the Democratic National Committee will elect their next chairperson on Saturday, as the party grapples with how to rebuild itself after devastating losses in the November elections and reckons with the tumultuous return of Donald Trump to the White House.

The winner of the DNC chair race will help shape the message and priorities of the Democratic party, giving them a crucial role in the party's efforts to win back the House of Representatives in 2026. The race has attracted a large field of candidates, but two state party chairs - Ken Martin of Minnesota and Ben Wikler of Wisconsin - have emerged as the frontrunners.