Skoufis Endorses Ken Martin for DNC Chair

New York state Sen. James Skoufis has withdrawn from the Democratic National Committee (DNC) chair race and endorsed Minnesota Democratic Party Chair Ken Martin, boosting Martin's candidacy (The Hill, Fox News, Politico). Martin, considered a frontrunner, has garnered significant support, including endorsements from over 50 state party chairs and vice chairs, as he proposes to expand the party's influence beyond Washington, D.C. (CBS News, Politico). Martin's main competitors include Ben Wikler, who has the support of Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, and former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, who has secured endorsements from 65 DNC members (Washington Examiner, CBS News). The race occurs in the context of Democrats recalibrating after losses in the 2024 elections, with a focus on re-engaging with diverse coalitions and addressing internal party dynamics (Fox News, Politico). The DNC chair election is scheduled for February 1, where the candidate with majority support among 448 members will succeed outgoing Chair Jaime Harrison (Washington Examiner).