DNC chair candidate calls for greater investment in GOP states in platform

Democratic National Committee chair candidate James Skoufis released his proposed platform for the party on Monday, calling for greater investments in Republican-dominated states in an effort to expand the map for Democrats.

In the four-point platform that was first seen by The Hill, Skoufis vowed to “dramatically” enhance the party’s Red State Fund if elected chair and loosen “counterproductive” criteria states need to qualify for the fund. Skoufis also called for year-round organizers in red states.

“It’s time to expand the map rather than hunker down in seven states every four years. We’ve seen where that strategy leads: constant disappointment and diminishing returns,” Skoufis said. “I know what it’s like to run, win, and cede no ground in deeply-challenging territory – red states and counties will get unprecedented resources, attention, and sweat equity from our DNC.”

Additionally, Skoufis called for reforming DNC operations and breaking what he called the “Beltway Consultant Stranglehold.”

“No-bid contracts and backroom deals have bled the DNC dry, and we have ended up with terrible advice that has broken the party. It ends now. We will competitively re-bid every service and require vendors to earn our business on merit, cost-effectiveness, and deliverables––not personal relationships,” Skoufis said.

The state senator from New York also called for strengthening labor and staff for permanent organizing within the DNC.

“Year-round professional staff who feel valued, protected, and heard is how we build winning state and local campaigns everywhere,” he said. “Never, ever will DNC staff be given literally days’ notice prior to post-election turnover. Respecting workers starts at home.”

Skoufis’ platform comes as the race to replace outgoing DNC chair Jaime Harrison heats up. Last week former presidential candidate Marianne Williamson launched a bid for chair, joining Skoufis, Minnesota Democratic Party Chair Ken Martin, Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler, former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley and former Homeland Security official Nate Snyder.

The election for DNC chair is set to take place on Feb. 1 during the party’s winter meeting at National Harbor, Md. The DNC will also host four forums in January for the candidates to make their cases to sitting committee members.

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