Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., formally announced his bid to run the Democratic National Committee on Monday, calling for the Democrats to “rebuild” the party after losing the White House and Congress in the elections last week.
“This election cycle, we did not motivate enough people to the ballot box,” Ellison said in his announcement. “We must champion the challenges of working families and give voters a reason to show up at the polls in 2018 and beyond. We must build a bench not just for federal candidates, but for state and local candidates across the nation.”
Ellison cited a “broad coalition of support” for his candidacy. It includes Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., who is retiring, and other lawmakers.
Ellison is a Muslim and is among the more liberal Democratic lawmakers, and if he were elevated to DNC chair, it would signal the party’s move to the left and an acknowledgement that the party did not motivate the base to turn out to vote last week.
Here is Ellison’s statement:
“Democrats win when we harness the power of everyday people and fight for the issues they care about. It is not enough for Democrats to ask for voters’ support every two years.
We must be with them through every lost paycheck, every tuition hike and every time they are the victim of a hate crime. When voters know what Democrats stand for, we can improve the lives of all Americans, no matter their race, religion or sexual orientation.
To do that, we must begin the rebuilding process now.
This election cycle, we did not motivate enough people to the ballot box. We must champion the challenges of working families and give voters a reason to show up at the polls in 2018 and beyond. We must build a bench not just for federal candidates, but for state and local candidates across the nation.
We also need a robust party organization in every state that prioritizes voter relationships over everything else. We must invest in and empower our state and local parties by creating effective field operations, an enhanced and advanced voter file and a culture of collaboration between candidates at every level. Let’s put the voters first.
I am proud to announce my candidacy for chair of the Democratic National Committee, and if given the opportunity to serve, I will work tirelessly to make the Democratic Party an organization that brings us together and advances an agenda that improves people’s lives.”
