Chair Ben Wikler, who has turned the Democratic Party of Wisconsin into a fundraising powerhouse, announced he will seek another two-year term at the state convention in June.
Wikler, who was first elected to the post in 2019, announced his plans Saturday at the County Chairs Association in Stevens Point. If elected to a third term, Wikler would lead the party into the 2024 cycle in which Wisconsin is again expected to be a battleground state in the presidential race.
“With 2024 looming, democracy in Wisconsin remains in peril. But at the same time, a historic opportunity to improve life for Wisconsinites may be within reach,” said Wikler, who was unopposed in his 2021 reelection bid.
Wikler, who worked for MoveOn.org before coming back to Wisconsin and becoming state chair, has cultivated a national donor list. The party previously told WisPolitics.com that between what it raised and transfers from other committees, it took in a combined $57.5 million between the state and federal accounts in 2020.
Last year, the party took in $23.8 million through its main state account alone.
Top Dem officials praised Wikler after his announcement.
“I’m thrilled my friend @BenWiklerwill seek another term at the helm of @WisDems,fighting for a better state for all of us,” tweeted U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, who is expected to seek reelection next year.
Gov. Tony Evers on Twitter wrote Wikler “has been a tremendous leader for @WisDemsand our state is stronger because of his work to grow the party and organize like never before. There’s more work to be done and I know Ben is the right person to make sure we get the job done.”
State Rep. Lee Snodgrass, D-Appleton, also announced over the weekend she is not running for reelection as the party’s 2nd vice chair. She’s been in that post since 2019.
See Snodgrass’ tweet:
https://twitter.com/snodgrassforwi/status/1634646855614177281?s=43&t=NVXloK5ALhO86s9PHdA9uA
