Rethinking the Democratic Party: An Interview with Ben Wikler

The Democratic Party, as a political organization, holds significant influence in shaping policies and governance in the United States. The question often arises: What exactly is the Democratic Party composed of, and how does it function?

Ben Wikler, formerly the chair of the Democratic Party in Wisconsin from 2019 to 2025, offers insights into these questions. During his tenure, Wikler transformed the party into a formidable force known for its fundraising and grassroots efforts. In Wisconsin, this contributed to varied outcomes in the 2024 election. While Kamala Harris narrowly lost the state in the presidential race, Democratic Senate candidate Tammy Baldwin emerged victorious.

Wikler later pursued the role of chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), a position he did not secure, losing to Ken Martin. This outcome led many Democrats to wish for Wikler’s leadership, especially as the DNC faced challenges in fundraising, organization, and maintaining unity.

With the publication of his book, This Is The Plan: How to End America’s Meltdown and Save Democracy, Wikler returns to the political discourse, outlining strategies to revitalize the Democratic Party. Through this book, he emphasizes the necessity for the party to evolve in response to current political dynamics.

Understanding the Democratic Party involves recognizing its intricate structure, defined by its members and leadership. The party’s reinvention is a pivotal discussion point for individuals like Wikler, who aim to fortify its role in advancing democratic principles.