Full List of DNC Chair Contenders After Martin O’Malley’s Announcement

The race for Democratic National Committee (DNC) leadership has officially begun, with former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley emerging as the first declared candidate in what promises to be a consequential contest for the party’s future.

The position becomes vacant in March as current chair Jaime Harrison prepares to step down, leaving Democrats at a critical juncture as they face potential challenges in both congressional chambers and the White House in 2025.

Martin O’Malley

The 61-year-old former Maryland governor and Baltimore mayor made his bid official on Monday, stepping down from his current role as Social Security Administration commissioner, effective November 29.

In recent interview with The New York Times, O’Malley described himself as a “proven operational leader and a turnaround manager,” acknowledging the significant challenges ahead: “We face enormous challenges and a lot of soul-searching. We need to focus on fixing the problem and not the blame.”

His platform emphasizes the need for a comprehensive “after-action report” about recent electoral performance, arguing that such analysis should be “based on truth, well researched and based on the facts and numbers.” He plans to lean heavily on his experience leading the Democratic Governors Association and his track record in executive positions.

A person familiar with O’Malley’s plans indicated he has already connected with key party leaders who have “expressed interest in his vision for the Democratic Party’s future.” His campaign is expected to emphasize communicating with Americans “not through fear” but through providing a better future, while maintaining a commitment to a 50-state strategy that would help maintain party infrastructure across the country, not just in battleground states.

Newsweek contacted O’Malley’s office via email on Monday for comment.

Rahm Emanuel

The current U.S. ambassador to Japan’s potential candidacy has ignited fierce debate within the Democratic Party. Former Obama strategist David Axelrod publicly endorsed Rahm Emanuel on his Hacks on Tap podcast, praising him as “the most skillful, political kind of infighter in the Democratic Party” while citing his experience as a congressman, White House chief of staff and Chicago mayor.

But U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York launched a blistering critique of Emanuel’s potential bid, characterizing it as emblematic of a “disease in Washington of Democrats who spend more time listening to the donor class than working people.” On social media, she argued that the DNC needs “an organizer who gets people. Not someone who sends fish heads in the mail,” referencing Emanuel’s notorious aggressive political tactics.

Emanuel, who plans to leave his Tokyo post this month, has begun exploring a potential run, according to sources familiar with the efforts. His tenure as ambassador has not been without controversy, including recent diplomatic tensions over his social media comments about Chinese officials.

Newsweek contacted Emanuel’s office via online form on Monday for comment.

Jane Kleeb

Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb brings significant grassroots organizational experience to the conversation. Under her leadership since 2016, Nebraska Democrats have grown from 500 elected officials to over 900 in 2023. Kleeb serves on the executive committees of the DNC and Association of State Democratic Committee (ASDC).

In an email to Newsweek, Kleeb discussed her plans at the moment: “I am considering a run for the ASDC President, which is also a DNC Vice Chair position. This position is elected by the State Party Chairs and Vice Chairs and runs the state party’s association, funding negotiations with DNC, oversees the state coalition of voter files, etc.”

Her background includes founding Bold Nebraska and serving as executive director of Young Democrats of America from 2004 to 2007.

Ben Wikler

Wisconsin Democratic Party Chairman Ben Wikler has emerged as a potential contender, with sources confirming he is seriously considering a run. Wikler has built a reputation as an effective fundraiser and gained respect across party lines for his state leadership of the party.

Newsweek contacted Wikler’s press contact via email on Monday for comment.

Ken Martin

Minnesota Democratic Party Chair Ken Martin has garnered early support among DNC members. While he hasn’t formally announced his candidacy, Martin has confirmed he is considering a run. His current role as president of the Association of State Democratic Chairs could provide a strategic advantage in the race.

Newsweek also contacted Martin’s office via email on Monday for comment.