The Democratic National Committee (DNC) announced Saturday afternoon that its members have elected Ken Martin as its new chairperson.
Newsweek reached out to the DNC by email on Saturday afternoon for comment.
Why It Matters
Martin’s victory emerged from his extensive party experience and deep relationships, prevailing over Wisconsin Democratic Party Chairman Ben Wikler’s recent high-profile race management and former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley’s combined electoral and government background.
As New York Times reporter Reid Epstein noted, “It is remarkable that Ken Martin won this election while the most significant figures in the Democratic party — Chuck Schumer, Hakeem Jeffries, Nancy Pelosi and major labor leaders—were all in favor of his rival, Ben Wikler.”
In his victory speech, Martin emphasized party unity and redirected attention to external challenges. “We have one team, the Democratic Party, and we have one fight. The fight’s not in here, it’s out there,” he said, adding that “the fight right now is against Donald Trump and the billionaires who bought this country.”
Who Is Ken Martin
Martin has served as the Chairman of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party since 2011, making him the longest-serving chair in the organization’s 75-year history.
His political career spans two decades, during which he held key leadership roles in numerous campaigns, including “Mark Dayton for Governor” in 2010, “Mike Hatch for Governor” in 2006, “John Kerry for President” in 2004, “Hubert Humphrey for Secretary of State” in 2002, and “Al Gore for President” in 2000.
He also led the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment campaign in 2008, which became the largest conservation finance measure ever enacted into law in the nation.
Martin lives in Eagan, Minnesota, with his wife Jennifer O’Rourke and their two sons, according to a release from the Democratic party.
What To Know
Martin will help shape the direction of the Democratic Party following a staggering loss to the Republicans and President Donald Trump in last year’s presidential election.
His predecessor, Jaime Harrison, decided not to seek reelection following the party’s loss to Trump and Republicans, which took control of the House of Representatives and Senate.
“We got punched in the mouth in November,” Martin, 51, said Saturday. “It’s time to get off the mat, dust ourselves off and get back in this fight.”
The vote took place in suburban Washington, D.C. and included over 400 DNC members from every state and U.S. territory, according to The Associated Press.
Martin’s campaign centered on a three-pillar framework: “Build to Win, Build to Expand, Build to Last.” The framework emphasizes:
- Funding parties across all 57 states and territories
- Implementing year-round organizing efforts
- Contesting every race at all levels
- Developing a 10-year strategy for party infrastructure
- Recentering the Democratic agenda to reconnect with American voters
“Democrats need to ask ourselves each day: which side are we on? I’m on the side of the American working family. Not the robber baron. Not the oil and gas executives. Not the union busters,” Martin said on Saturday after his victory.
AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.
What People Are Saying
Democratic Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar endorsed Martin’s leadership on X, formerly Twitter, and wrote: “Ken Martin has been an incredible DFL Party Chair and has built up an unparalleled operation in Minnesota. He knows we need to reach Americans everywhere, no matter how red or blue.”
Democratic Representative Robert Garcia of California wrote on X: “Congrats to Ken Martin, our new DNC Chair. Ken is the kind of guy you want in a bar fight, he’s tough, aggressive, a union guy, and grew up in a working-class family. It was an honor to endorse and support him. Now let’s go fight these MAGA extremists!”
Former Kamala Harris senior adviser Mike Nellis wrote on X: “Ken Martin gave a hell of a good speech here: “Are we on the side of the robber baron, the ultra-wealthy billionaire, the oil and gas polluter, the union buster. Or are we on the side of the American working family, the small business owner, the farmer, the immigrant, and the students?”
What Happens Next
Martin will begin implementing his “build” framework immediately as the new DNC Chair.
His leadership will focus on holding the Trump administration accountable, uniting and charting a new path for the Democratic Party and fighting for working families.
Update 2/1/25, 3:07 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
