Former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley announced Wednesday that he will not be running for chair of the Democratic National Committee in March.
In an email to supporters, O’Malley said the DNC needs a chairperson “who can do the job fully and with total impartiality.
“On November 8, the Democratic party and our country suffered a major setback. Now more than ever, we need to listen to one another and work to repair what has been torn apart,” O’Malley wrote. “While I’m grateful to the supportive friends who have urged me to consider running for DNC Chair, I will not be seeking our Party’s Chairmanship.
“The DNC needs a Chair who can do the job fully and with total impartiality. The national interest must come first,” O’Malley said. “In the days ahead, my family and I will continue to do everything in our power to fight for the Democratic Party, and for the more compassionate and inclusive country that we carry in our hearts.”
O’Malley’s message comes only five days after he announced that he would take a “hard look” at a potential run.
The Democrats now have two candidates who have announced bids for the chair, which is occupied on an interim basis by Donna Brazile. Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., who has the backing of Sen. Bernie Sanders, announced his bid on Monday. Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean revealed on Thursday that he is “in for chairman again,” having held the post from 2005-09.
The election for DNC chair will take place in March.
