Abrams Supports Wikler for DNC Position
The article highlights Ben's success in demonstrating that effective voter protection throughout the year, strategic organizing, and straightforward communication can lead to victories. This is particularly relevant in states facing the erosion of rights, as noted by her statement.
TroibNews 
Wisconsin state party chair Ben Wikler has gained a significant endorsement in his bid for the Democratic National Committee (DNC) chair position. Stacey Abrams, who is a two-time Democratic gubernatorial nominee in Georgia and a prominent advocate against perceived increases in voting suppression, announced her support for Wikler on Monday.
In a statement to PMG, Abrams described Wikler as “the battle-tested chair the DNC needs right now,” highlighting his effective strategies against the “destructive GOP control” in Wisconsin and his skill in coalition-building. She added, “I have the deepest respect for the other candidates and their commitment to our party and our nation. Ben has proven that with year-round voter protection, smart organizing and clear messaging, we can win — especially in states where our rights are being eroded.”
Abrams’ endorsement follows the party's initial official candidate meeting held on Saturday, marking the first of four gatherings leading up to the DNC elections scheduled for February 1.
Wikler expressed his gratitude for Abrams’ endorsement, stating, “I am honored to have the endorsement of Stacey Abrams,” and noted that her efforts in Georgia “has been an inspiration for the year-round organizing, permanent campaign, and voter protection infrastructure that we supercharged to historic wins in Wisconsin.” Furthermore, he mentioned, “Moreover, I've been lucky to have her as a friend, mentor, and advisor.”
In addition to her support for Wikler, Abrams endorsed Georgia Democrat Rep. Nikema Williams for Vice Chair for Civic Engagement and Voter Participation. Unlike the chair race, this contest includes only candidates of color, such as Rep. Joyce Beatty, Reyna Walters-Morgan, the former DNC Director of Civic Engagement and Voter Protection, and former DNC Vice Chair Michael Blake. Abrams remarked, “Nikema has steadfastly served the Democratic Party of Georgia. She’s a fierce advocate for inclusion and equity, and her deep connection to the grassroots makes her the ideal choice to help steer the DNC forward.”
While she backed Wikler and Williams, Abrams chose not to endorse candidates in other DNC leadership roles, including vice chair, secretary, and treasurer.
Insiders consider the race for the DNC chair primarily competitive between Wikler and Ken Martin, the head of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party. Both candidates hail from upper midwestern states and share similar perspectives on reshaping the party. They have both committed, if elected, to implementing a year-round organizing strategy across all 50 states and seven U.S. territories, moving away from reliance on the political consulting class, which they argue contributes to the perception of Democrats being disconnected from ordinary Americans.
“The reality is, our party's got to stand up and fight for working families again and give them a sense that we give a damn about their lives,” Martin said during an appearance on Fox News Sunday.
Currently, the most significant distinction between the leading candidates—and the emerging candidacy of former Maryland governor Martin O’Malley—lies in their endorsements. Martin has garnered support from nearly two dozen Democratic leaders across nine southern states, including party chairs from Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas, and Virginia, as well as backing from Democratic delegations in eight states, including Oregon and Arkansas. In contrast, Wikler recently secured the support of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, as well as state Democratic Party chairs Anderson Clayton of North Carolina and Lavora Barnes of Michigan.
The next official DNC candidate forum is scheduled for Thursday in Detroit and will be hosted by PMG.
Sanya Singh contributed to this report for TROIB News
In a statement to PMG, Abrams described Wikler as “the battle-tested chair the DNC needs right now,” highlighting his effective strategies against the “destructive GOP control” in Wisconsin and his skill in coalition-building. She added, “I have the deepest respect for the other candidates and their commitment to our party and our nation. Ben has proven that with year-round voter protection, smart organizing and clear messaging, we can win — especially in states where our rights are being eroded.”
Abrams’ endorsement follows the party's initial official candidate meeting held on Saturday, marking the first of four gatherings leading up to the DNC elections scheduled for February 1.
Wikler expressed his gratitude for Abrams’ endorsement, stating, “I am honored to have the endorsement of Stacey Abrams,” and noted that her efforts in Georgia “has been an inspiration for the year-round organizing, permanent campaign, and voter protection infrastructure that we supercharged to historic wins in Wisconsin.” Furthermore, he mentioned, “Moreover, I've been lucky to have her as a friend, mentor, and advisor.”
In addition to her support for Wikler, Abrams endorsed Georgia Democrat Rep. Nikema Williams for Vice Chair for Civic Engagement and Voter Participation. Unlike the chair race, this contest includes only candidates of color, such as Rep. Joyce Beatty, Reyna Walters-Morgan, the former DNC Director of Civic Engagement and Voter Protection, and former DNC Vice Chair Michael Blake. Abrams remarked, “Nikema has steadfastly served the Democratic Party of Georgia. She’s a fierce advocate for inclusion and equity, and her deep connection to the grassroots makes her the ideal choice to help steer the DNC forward.”
While she backed Wikler and Williams, Abrams chose not to endorse candidates in other DNC leadership roles, including vice chair, secretary, and treasurer.
Insiders consider the race for the DNC chair primarily competitive between Wikler and Ken Martin, the head of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party. Both candidates hail from upper midwestern states and share similar perspectives on reshaping the party. They have both committed, if elected, to implementing a year-round organizing strategy across all 50 states and seven U.S. territories, moving away from reliance on the political consulting class, which they argue contributes to the perception of Democrats being disconnected from ordinary Americans.
“The reality is, our party's got to stand up and fight for working families again and give them a sense that we give a damn about their lives,” Martin said during an appearance on Fox News Sunday.
Currently, the most significant distinction between the leading candidates—and the emerging candidacy of former Maryland governor Martin O’Malley—lies in their endorsements. Martin has garnered support from nearly two dozen Democratic leaders across nine southern states, including party chairs from Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas, and Virginia, as well as backing from Democratic delegations in eight states, including Oregon and Arkansas. In contrast, Wikler recently secured the support of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, as well as state Democratic Party chairs Anderson Clayton of North Carolina and Lavora Barnes of Michigan.
The next official DNC candidate forum is scheduled for Thursday in Detroit and will be hosted by PMG.
Sanya Singh contributed to this report for TROIB News
