Center-left think tank president backing Wikler as next DNC chair

Third Way, a center-left think tank, backed Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler in the upcoming Democratic National Committee (DNC) leadership race.

“At Third Way, we represent the center-left of the party,” the group’s president Jonathan Cowan wrote in a Politico op-ed. “But we agree with former Progressive Caucus Co-Chair Mark Pocan and others on the far left that the person best equipped to lead the Democratic National Committee in this uncertain and high-stakes moment is Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler."

Ben Wikler, chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, waves to the crowd at a campaign event, Nov. 1, 2024, in Little Chute, Wis. (AP Photo/Andy Manis, File)

Cowan acknowledged the group’s move to back Wikler “might seem surprising,” noting the “stark differences" Third Way sometimes has with the progressive wing of the party on policy and political strategy. But, he argued, the choice was related to his status as a party chair from a Midwestern, blue wall state.

The think tank leader also pointed out that Wikler, 43, could be a generational change agent in the party who would be a stark contrast to President-elect Trump, 78, as the GOP’s leader.

Cowan argued that Third Way’s support for Wikler is also “ideological,” in that the DNC’s leader must welcome debate from all parts of the party.

“The modern Democratic Party is a big, tumultuous coalition, in which robust debate is not just tolerated, it’s seen as essential,” he wrote.

Third Way’s endorsement comes days after Wikler entered the race for party chair on Sunday, becoming the fourth Democrat to jump in the race. On Saturday, New York State Sen. James Skoufis (D) launched his bid, joining former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) and Minnesota Democratic Party Chair Ken Martin.

Martin has reportedly received over 100 endorsements so far.

The DNC election is set to be held on Feb. 1.

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