(The Center Square) – Wisconsin’s Democratic chairman says he’s coming back to the state with a renewed focus on winning in his state.
Democratic Party of Wisconsin chairman Ben Wikler on Sunday lost his bid to become the next DNC chairman.
“While the vote didn’t go the way I hoped, I’m grateful that our whole party has embraced the vision and the values that our campaign lifted up. It’s time to fight for working people, across race and ethnicity, in every corner of the country; to build a permanent campaign that organizes and communicates year-round, in every place and on every platform,” Wikler said in a weekend statement. “I’m deeply proud of the race that we ran, of the way we united so many parts of the party – from unions to elected leaders to the grassroots – and of the work of an extraordinary team and dedicated volunteers.”
Minnesota’s Ken Martin received 246.5 votes of the total 428 members who voted to win the chairmanship. Wikler received 134.5.
“Going forward, I urge everyone who supported me to join me in working with Chair Martin to ensure that the Democratic Party rises to this moment of crisis in our country,” Wikler added.
Wikler had plenty of high-profile support heading into the weekend vote. He secured endorsements from U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
Wikler said he plans to turn his attention to April’s race for the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
“For all those who poured themselves into the campaign, we have another critical fight ahead. Wisconsin’s April 1 state Supreme Court race will determine the future of abortion access, union rights, freedom, and democracy in the Badger State,” Wikler added. “Let’s take a breath and get back to work.”
Wikler has been very successful as Wisconsin Democratic chairman. Since taking over in 2019, he’s led his party to eight statewide victories, including Gov. Tony Evers’ 2022 re-election, Justice Janet Protasiewicz’s 2023 victory, and U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin’s win in 2024.
He’s also raised a reported $230 million over the past five years.
