Candidates vying for the leadership of the Democratic National Committee have identified a common adversary: the D.C. consultant. In the inaugural DNC-sanctioned forum for the chairmanship race held on Saturday, contenders directed their ire towards the “D.C. insiders,” with New York state Sen. James Skoufis promising to “kick them to the curb,” Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Chair Ken Martin pledging to rid the party of “D.C. consultants,” and Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler vowing to enter 2025 with no ties to anyone who has worked on a campaign payroll before.
The discontent towards consultants stems from the party’s staggering $1.5 billion expenditure in the final months of the 2024 campaign, which ultimately resulted in a defeat against President-elect Donald Trump. As the Democratic Party grapples with its losses, consultants have become a scapegoat for the shortcomings of the campaign. The DNC candidates focused on the need to reconnect with the working class and establish a permanent campaign infrastructure nationwide. Despite some subtle jabs during the forum, the candidates refrained from directly attacking each other.
The forum, the first of four meetings scheduled for January leading up to the Feb. 1 DNC chair election, marks a crucial decision for Democrats as they seek to redefine their party in the aftermath of the second Trump administration.
Here are five key takeaways from the virtual forum:
Paging Jaime Harrison
While the candidates criticized D.C. insiders, most of them expressed their intention to relocate to the capital if elected. This decision had been a point of contention among DNC members, who were dissatisfied with current DNC Chair Jaime Harrison’s choice to remain in South Carolina during his tenure. Former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley emphasized the importance of being physically present in Washington, while Skoufis announced his resignation from the New York state Senate to fully commit to the DNC chairmanship. However, Wikler, who has a family in Wisconsin, did not commit to relocating, opting for a “congressional schedule” that would involve regular visits to D.C.
A mostly white, mostly male field of “dudes”
The composition of the eight-member candidate field for DNC chair is predominantly white and male, with only a few exceptions. The lack of diversity among the contenders has raised concerns among Democrats, who believe that the candidates should better reflect the diversity of the party as a whole. Democratic campaign veteran Caitlin Legacki pointed out the absence of women in the conversation surrounding the chairmanship race, highlighting the need for a more inclusive representation within the party leadership.
She’s back
Marianne Williamson, the bestselling self-help author and former Democratic presidential candidate, injected a unique perspective into the chairmanship race with her spiritual approach to politics. While Williamson faces slim odds of winning, her presence added a dynamic element to the forum. She emphasized the need for a spiritual healing within the party and criticized the DNC for failing to support a robust primary process in the past. Williamson’s unconventional campaign style brought a fresh perspective to the discussion.
It’s the economy, stupid
The candidates acknowledged the party’s failure to effectively communicate its economic message to voters, which contributed to their electoral setbacks. O’Malley identified this disconnect as the party’s biggest mistake, while Wikler emphasized the importance of reaching out to working families. Martin highlighted the perception that Republicans better represent the working class, calling it a damning indictment of the party’s brand. Despite recognizing the issue, the candidates offered few concrete solutions to address it, signaling a potential challenge for the party as it navigates the post-Trump era.
So much for the resistance
Despite the party’s history of opposition to Trump, the DNC chair candidates had little to say about the incoming president during the forum. This shift reflects the changing political landscape and the need for Democrats to reassess their approach to Trump’s administration. While some candidates mentioned the importance of standing up to Trump, the focus was largely on the party’s internal reforms and messaging strategies.
In conclusion, the DNC chairmanship race is shaping up to be a critical moment for the Democratic Party as it seeks to rebuild and redefine its identity in the wake of recent electoral losses. The candidates’ focus on addressing internal challenges, such as consultant reliance and messaging failures, underscores the party’s efforts to regroup and reconnect with voters ahead of the 2024 elections.
