Ben Wikler’s Winning Over Every Type of Democrat. Winning Elections Is a Different Story.

As Wikler vies for chair of the DNC, his critics say Democrats shouldn’t discount the fact that Wisconsin flipped red in 2024.

Ben Wikler

Andy Manis/AP

Last year, at a breakfast for Wisconsin’s Democratic National Convention delegates, Sen. Chuck Schumer got onstage and sang the praises of the state’s Democratic Party chair, Ben Wikler.

“This guy is one of the best chairs of a state party. Not just today, but ever,” Schumer said.

Now, Schumer wants Wikler to bring his skills to the national party. Last week, he endorsed Wikler for Democratic National Committee chair, calling him a “tenacious organizer,” a “proven fundraiser” and a “sharp communicator.”