Leading Democratic National Committee presidential candidates said Tuesday that leader Ken Martin’s claim of support from 200 members is inflated and does not paint an accurate picture of the race’s dynamics.
the chair candidates need a simple majority of DNC members, or 225 votes, to win. If he holds, Martin’s final endorsement count would put him close to victory on the first ballot.
The chair’s role in leading Democratic fundraising, recruiting and organizing efforts nationally is especially important in years when the party is out of the White House and lacks a de facto leader.
Whoever wins the election will be tasked with balancing messages against Trump’s presidency while seeking to define and rebuild a party facing decisive losses in the executive branch and both houses of Congress.
Presidents usually appoint themselves to lead the parties they represent.
Martin, chairman of the Minnesota Democratic Party, announced his 200-member number at a rally Tuesday morning.
“I’m honored to have the support of leaders across the country,” Martin said. “Our campaign is gaining momentum and we will continue to work hard for the people’s votes.”
The teams of Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley and Wisconsin Democratic Party Chairman Ben Wikler said the dynamics of the race are not locked.
Ben Wikler, chairman of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, speaks about the 2024 Democratic National Convention during a press conference April 18, 2024, in Chicago.
Teresa Crawford/AP
In a statement to ABC News, Wikler’s spokesman said Martin is inflating his whip count in an attempt to create “false momentum” and “lacks a clear path to victory.”
“Ken Martin is releasing inflated whip counts because his momentum has stalled in this race and he wants to create a false momentum,” the spokesman said. “Our internal count has Ben within 30 votes of Ken, with increased support since last week’s union endorsements. Ken has fewer votes than the combined support of Ben and Martin O’Malley and lacks a clear path to a majority.”
O’Malley’s team hit back at Martin, calling the 200 figure inflated and unsubstantiated. Pushing it further than Wikler’s team, O’Malley spokesman Chris Taylor told ABC News that “not a single soul” believes Martin, who he said is acting “below the seriousness of this moment.”
“This race is not about inflated and baseless numbers or tricks and gimmicks,” Taylor said in a statement. “It’s about making the changes we need to win and rebuilding the Democratic Party for the future of our Republic. There isn’t a single soul in any DNC office that believes Ken Martin’s count. It’s disrespectful to the 448 voting members of the DNC – – many of whom are still deciding – and this moment. under the stress.”
In their statements, O’Malley’s and Wikler’s teams pointed to their own internal numbers, which they said show a much tighter race. None of the main candidates has given the full list of names of their supporters. O’Malley’s group said it has commitments from 100 members. Wikler’s team declined to provide its internal count.
Social Security Administration Commissioner Martin O’Malley testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington on November 20, 2024.
Ben Curtis/AP
Still, the public endorsements for Martin seem to outshine everyone else.
In recent weeks, Martin’s campaign has been spreading daily endorsements on social media. His bid has the support of at least 50 current state party presidents and vice presidents, incl party leaders From the swing states of Arizona, New Mexico and Pennsylvania, and several members of Congress, including Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith and former Senator Heidi Heitkamp, as well as the leaders of the Young Democrats of America.
Wikler has the support of a top Democrat, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and the rubber stamps of the party’s centrist and progressive establishment. Last week, Wikler secured the support of four powerful public sector unions, including the American Federation of Teachers, the National Education Association, the Service Employees International Union and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.
O’Malley has also expanded the endorsements of individual members, including current and former members of the Congressional Black Caucus, along with former mayors.
It has been the DNC to host forums which function as debates between candidates for all officer positions. Two remain, one this week and one next week, just days before the Feb. 1 officer election.
