How Wisconsin’s Democratic Party Chair Became a Swing State Guru

Ben Wikler, the chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, is a favorite among Democrats. This year, the battleground in his backyard is a must-win for his party.

Voters line up at a polling place.

Wisconsin is a critical state for Democrats. Ben Wikler, the state Democratic party chair, has spent years growing out the party to meet this moment. David Goldman/AP

Talk to Democrats across the country about who they think is doing things right within their party, and one name comes up repeatedly: Ben Wikler, chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin.

The praise comes from all levels of the party, ranging from grassroots Democratic leaders within Wisconsin and as high up as their presidential ticket.

“When I turn on my TV, there’s nobody I want to see more than Ben Wikler,” vice presidential candidate Tim Walz said at a breakfast for Wisconsin’s Democratic National Convention delegates this month.