Minnesota Democratic Party Chairman Ken Martin has officially announced his candidacy to lead the Democratic National Committee as the party tries to rally after a crushing defeat against Donald Trump.
In a video posted on social media Tuesday, Martin laid out his background in Minnesota.
“If you’re looking for a D.C. person, that’s not me. But I know how the DNC works and how it doesn’t work,” he said, adding, “We need to regroup our ideas. We know this country is popular in the red, blue and purple states — back to our party and our candidates. “
Martin, a DNC vice chair and leader of the Association of State Democratic Committees, gained early favor with some delegates because of interviews with several state DNC members. He joins former presidential candidate Martin O’Malley who announced on Monday would be a candidate for the position.
Martin is a big supporter of the DNC, which acts as the umbrella organization that powers all state parties.
“It’s certainly not the only thing the DNC does, but it’s probably one of the most important partnerships the DNC has with the state party chairs, vice chairs, executive directors who run these programs,” Martin said. in an interview last week. He calls it a 57-state strategy, including all 50 states and territories, as well as Democrats in Washington and abroad. “Whoever the next DNC chair really is, I believe the party of 57 states needs to make a fierce commitment to making sure they support the strategy itself.”
Jane Kleeb, chairwoman of the Nebraska Democratic Party, is among Martin’s supporters and said in a previous interview that she is interested in seeking the ASDC chair position that Martin currently holds.
Wisconsin Democratic Party Chairman Ben Wikler is also interested in running.
“Ben is seriously considering running,” a person familiar with Wikler’s thinking told NBC News on Monday.
Also, Rahm Emanuel, who currently serves as the US ambassador to Japan and was previously the mayor of Chicago, a congressman and chief of staff to President Barack Obama, has shown interest in the position and has done some campaigning, according to three people. to DNC members, according to a person familiar with the matter.