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Politics and Government News
Estelle Timar-Wilcox

Minnesota DFL Chair Ken Martin announces bid to lead national Democratic Party

A man speaks at a podium
Minnesota DFL chair Ken Martin takes the stage at the Minnesota DFL election results watch party in St. Paul on Nov. 5.
Ben Hovland | MPR News

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Minnesota DFL Party Chair Ken Martin is running for chair of the Democratic National Committee.

Martin announced his candidacy Tuesday for the top role leading the party as it regroups following its loss in the 2024 presidential race and looks toward the 2026 and 2028 elections.

In a video posted to social media, Martin said he wants to help the Democratic Party reconnect with voters after losing ground in this year’s election. 

“If you’re looking for a creature of D.C., that’s not me — but I do know how the DNC works and how it isn’t working,” Martin said in his announcement. “I know how to listen to the voters.”

Martin has a long political career in Minnesota, starting as an intern with Paul Wellstone’s campaign for U.S. Senate in 1990. Since then, he’s campaigned for several Democratic candidates and causes in the state. 

Martin has chaired the DFL since 2011, overseeing big wins for the party — including a Democratic trifecta at the Minnesota Capitol. In 2017, he was elected vice-chair of the DNC.

Martin has said Democrats struggled to pitch themselves to voters this year. In his candidacy announcement, he said the party can do better.

“Most people I chat with want the same things: to stay ahead on their bills, to give their families a better life and to live in safe and healthy communities,” Martin said. “That’s exactly what Democrats stand for. But we need to reconnect our ideas, which we know are popular in red, blue and purple states across this country, back to our party and to our candidates.”

Former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley on Monday also announced his candidacy for DNC chair. Current DNC Chair Jaime Harrison is not expected to seek a second term.

The election for DNC chair is expected to take place early next year.