Ben Wikler to exit post at Wisconsin Democratic Party in June
Wikler mentioned that he is contemplating authoring a book and has not dismissed the possibility of pursuing a political office in the future.
TroibNews 
Ben Wikler, who has significantly transformed the Wisconsin Democratic Party into a formidable fundraising entity, will step down from his role in June.
In a letter released on Thursday, the state party chair revealed his decision not to seek reelection, expressing that it is “the right time for me to take a breath” and to “find new ways to advance the fight for a country that works for working people.”
In a brief interview with PMG, Wikler mentioned that he is contemplating writing a book. He also left the possibility open for a future run for political office, saying, “maybe at some point,” while noting, “we have amazing Democrats in office right now.”
“Wisconsin has a pro-democracy Supreme Court through 2028, which means Wisconsin won’t be re-gerrymandered, and we have a serious shot at a trifecta in 2026,” Wikler explained. “Our state party is in great shape. The best time to pass the torch is when an organization is on an upswing.”
Wikler’s announcement follows a significant electoral achievement for Democrats, as he played a pivotal role in securing their first major victory during Donald Trump's second administration with liberal candidate Susan Crawford winning her Supreme Court seat by a 10-point margin. This news comes just two months after he failed in his attempt to become chair of the Democratic National Committee.
First elected in 2019, Wikler successfully elevated a typically low-profile role into one of national influence, transforming a weak state party into a well-funded powerhouse that has won 12 out of the last 15 statewide elections. However, Trump emerged victorious in Wisconsin in 2024.
The Democratic Party of Wisconsin is set to hold elections for Wikler's successor in mid-June.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
In a letter released on Thursday, the state party chair revealed his decision not to seek reelection, expressing that it is “the right time for me to take a breath” and to “find new ways to advance the fight for a country that works for working people.”
In a brief interview with PMG, Wikler mentioned that he is contemplating writing a book. He also left the possibility open for a future run for political office, saying, “maybe at some point,” while noting, “we have amazing Democrats in office right now.”
“Wisconsin has a pro-democracy Supreme Court through 2028, which means Wisconsin won’t be re-gerrymandered, and we have a serious shot at a trifecta in 2026,” Wikler explained. “Our state party is in great shape. The best time to pass the torch is when an organization is on an upswing.”
Wikler’s announcement follows a significant electoral achievement for Democrats, as he played a pivotal role in securing their first major victory during Donald Trump's second administration with liberal candidate Susan Crawford winning her Supreme Court seat by a 10-point margin. This news comes just two months after he failed in his attempt to become chair of the Democratic National Committee.
First elected in 2019, Wikler successfully elevated a typically low-profile role into one of national influence, transforming a weak state party into a well-funded powerhouse that has won 12 out of the last 15 statewide elections. However, Trump emerged victorious in Wisconsin in 2024.
The Democratic Party of Wisconsin is set to hold elections for Wikler's successor in mid-June.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
