Democrats choose a political operator from Minnesota as their next leader.

Last updated: February 1, 2025 6:49 pm

3 Min Read

Disclosure: This website may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click on the link and make a purchase. I only recommend products or services that I personally use and believe will add value to my readers. Your support is appreciated!

SKIP ADVERTISEMENT

You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load.

Ken Martin, a well-connected state party chair, took over the Democratic National Committee as the party searches for ways to win back power.

Ken Martin, the chairman of the Minnesota Democrats, has deep relationships with members of the party’s national committee, winning their affection by promising to focus more on their concerns than past leaders have. Credit… Allison Robbert for The New York Times The Democratic National Committee on Saturday elected Ken Martin as its chairman, tapping a low-profile political insider from Minnesota to guide the party forward after its crushing defeats last fall.

Mr. Martin, 51, triumphed in a 75-day contest that turned less on why Democrats lost to President Trump for a second time than on internal relationships and mechanics in the 448-member Democratic National Committee.

The committee raises tens of millions of dollars every year and can help set the tone of the party. It provides infrastructure and financial support for down-ballot candidates in off years before building an operation for a presidential nominee.

Mr. Martin captured the chairmanship on the strength of his yearslong relationships with party members, whose affection he won by promising to focus more on their concerns than past leaders have.

In his victory speech, Mr. Martin touched on a theme that Democrats hit throughout the weekend — that Mr. Trump was aligned with his billionaire supporters rather than with the American people.

“Are we on the side of the robber baron, the ultrawealthy billionaire, the oil and gas polluter, the union buster?” Mr. Martin asked. “Or are we on the side of the American working family, the small-business owner, the farmer, the immigrant and the students?”

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber? Log in.

Want all of The Times? Subscribe.

SKIP ADVERTISEMENT