Reviving Democrats in a Key State, He Moves On

Ben Wikler to Depart as Wisconsin Democratic Party Leader, Eyes Future Political Aspirations

Ben Wikler, the influential leader who has transformed the Wisconsin Democratic Party into a formidable fundraising powerhouse over the past six years, has announced his departure from the position as party chair, effective June. Wikler’s time at the helm has been marked by significant achievements and a strategic evolution within the party, positioning it for potential electoral victories in the near future.

In an interview held on Wednesday, the 44-year-old Wikler expressed that while he is contemplating a run for political office in the future, he intends to first enjoy quality time with his three young children. "The best time to pass the torch is when an organization’s on the upswing," he remarked. "I’m able to step away from the party this June knowing that Democrats are poised to make enormous gains in Wisconsin."

Wikler’s announcement comes just days after he celebrated a substantial victory in a Wisconsin Supreme Court election, a contest that has bolstered the state’s liberal majority on the court until at least 2028. His leadership has resulted in a Democratic Party that is now ambitiously aiming for full control of Wisconsin’s government in the upcoming midterm elections, a feat that felt unattainable when he took over in 2019.

Reflecting on his tenure, Wikler noted that the political landscape has transformed dramatically since he assumed leadership. When he began, Republicans had maintained control of both chambers of the State Legislature since 2011, with conservatives also holding sway over the State Supreme Court since 2008. Now, with Democrats holding the governorship and the state’s top court, the party’s momentum is evident, and the upcoming elections could further solidify their influence.

Wikler has been a staunch advocate for a continuous, proactive campaign strategy for Democrats. He envisions a resurgence in liberal support opposing former President Trump, predicting that Democrats will achieve a governing trifecta in Wisconsin as they capitalize on potential electoral gains across the nation. “These next few years will be an opportunity for Democrats to win seats in the U.S. Senate, the House and state legislatures and state offices,” he asserted. He believes that the groundwork laid now could usher in "the next progressive era in this country."

As for Wikler’s potential next steps, speculation is rampant regarding which office he might pursue. Governor Tony Evers, a Democrat, has yet to announce whether he will seek re-election in 2026. Other prominent Democrats in state leadership positions are similarly considering their paths, which could result in a scramble for political advancement depending on Evers’ decision.

Throughout his tenure, Wikler has also voiced concern regarding President Biden’s decision to seek re-election. Despite defending Biden in 2024 as the best option for the Democratic Party, he has now indicated that alternative strategies might have been advisable to avoid a second Trump presidency. “Knowing the end of the story, it’s hard to imagine that anyone would follow exactly the same course that we followed through these last several years,” he observed.

Two months ago, Wikler sought a more prominent role by running for chair of the Democratic National Committee but did not succeed, losing to Minnesota Democratic Chairman Ken Martin. The campaign highlighted his skills in fundraising and political organization, but Wikler acknowledged that Martin’s longstanding relationships within the party contributed to his defeat. However, he has since regarded his loss as validation of his strategy to maintain constant engagement with voters, rather than limiting outreach to pre-election periods.

Wikler sees a key lesson from his experiences in Wisconsin: Democrats thrive when engaged in a “permanent campaign.” He emphasized the importance of ongoing communication to demonstrate how government policies directly impact working people and their communities. Reflecting on his future, Wikler is committed to continuing this mission, albeit in a potentially different capacity. "I want to figure out how to support the kind of intensive communication that makes clear the impact of this administration’s policies on working people across the communities in my state and across the country,” he stated.

In pursuit of this new direction, Wikler has launched a Substack account to share his thoughts and insights. His decision to step down comes at a pivotal moment for the Wisconsin Democratic Party, leaving behind a solid foundation from which to launch future electoral campaigns and advocating for progressive policies in the years ahead. As he embarks on this new chapter, both he and the party will undoubtedly be seeking opportunities to navigate the evolving political landscape together.