O'Malley Runs for DNC Chair After 2024 Losses

Former Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley has announced his candidacy to chair the Democratic National Committee (DNC) following the party's significant losses in the 2024 elections. O'Malley, who has resigned as Social Security Administration commissioner, is the first candidate to enter the race to succeed Jaime Harrison, and aims to focus on connecting with voters on economic issues and promoting a 50-state strategy. His entry into the race highlights the Democratic Party's need to regroup and rebrand after losing the presidency, the Senate, and maintaining control of the House. O'Malley has a background as Baltimore's mayor and Maryland's governor and previously ran a short-lived presidential campaign in 2016. The new DNC chair will be pivotal in shaping the party's approach to future elections, including the 2028 presidential primary. O'Malley joins a field that may include other prominent Democrats like Ken Martin, Ben Wikler, and Mitch Landrieu.