Baraka makes endorsement in DNC chair race

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka waded into the race to lead the Democratic National Committee on Wednesday, endorsing Ben Wikler to be chair.

Wikler, the chair of Wisconsin’s Democratic Party, is one of a handful of Democrats locked into the race to succeed Jaime Harrison as the DNC’s leader.

“Ben Wikler understands that the Democratic Party needs leadership rooted in organizing—someone who truly grasps the issues impacting working families and can inspire and energize our base,” Baraka said in a statement. “We need to rebuild and reimagine our party, taking bold steps in a direction that puts people over special interests. Ben has the vision to prioritize the voices, votes, and dreams of everyday folks, and that’s why I’m proud to support him.”

The DNC will elect its next chair Saturday. Wikler is one of eight candidates, though most DNC members have consolidated behind Wikler or Minnesota’s Ken Martin. 

New Jersey will have seven votes in Saturday’s election. The vote will help decide the future of the Democratic Party, which is searching for an identity after Donald Trump’s presidential victory in November.

Wikler has pushed for a 50-state strategy to improve the party’s prospects among working-class voters, though none of the major candidates are pushing for significant policy changes.

Baraka, a progressive mayor and candidate for governor, is not a member of the DNC. But in a race expected to be both close and consequential, the candidates are looking to eke out any edge they can.

“I’m honored to have Mayor Ras Baraka’s endorsement,” Wikler said in a statement. “As the leader of a working-class city that embodies resilience, progress, and possibility, Mayor Baraka is a perfect validator of where the Democratic Party needs to focus its energy. With his support, we can build a Democratic Party that listens to and empowers the grassroots, puts working people first, and wins elections in every corner of this country.”