New York state senator drops DNC chair bid, backs Martin

New York state Sen. James Skoufis (D) ended his bid for Democratic National Committee (DNC) chair and backed Minnesota Democratic Party Chair Ken Martin for the post on Thursday.

In a statement, Skoufis said he was releasing his supporters and “urging” them to back Martin.

“I am endorsing Ken because he’s a man of integrity and I have deep respect for his vision, charisma, guts, and undefeated record in statewide races. I know that he, like me, is laser-focused on winning, not spinning,” Skoufis said. “He will recenter what is most important for our party: expanding the map and rebuilding our once-big Democratic tent by taking power outside of the DC Beltway and kicking the out-of-touch consultant class to the curb.”

Martin praised Skoufis in a separate statement, calling him “an invaluable asset to today’s Democratic Party.”

“Senator Skoufis has proven himself to be an effective, fresh messenger who has built the diverse coalitions needed to help Democrats win in deep red districts,” Martin said.

The development comes as numerous Democrats choose their preferred candidates to be their party’s standard bearer ahead of chair elections on Feb. 1. Martin’s bid has 51 endorsements from current state party chairs and vice chairs. Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler has received a number of key endorsements in the race from figures like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams (D). Meanwhile, former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) has touted endorsements from over 60 current and former mayors.

On Wednesday, progressive strategist Faiz Shakir, who ran Sen. Bernie Sanders’ (I-Vt.), launched a late bid for DNC chair.

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