Candidates seeking to lead the Democratic National Committee met for the third party-led forum Thursday, where they were asked about how the party should respond to a second Trump term, their plans for the 2028 presidential primary calendar and how they would approach fundraising.
Seven candidates appeared in the forum:
- Ken Martin, Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor chair
- Ben Wikler, Wisconsin Democratic Party chair
- Martin O’Malley, former Maryland governor
- Marianne Williamson, former presidential candidate
- Nate Snyder, former US Department of Homeland Security official
- Jason Paul, political strategist
- Quintessa Hathaway, former congressional candidate
The forum, focused on issues facing the West, was held virtually. Asked what they personally think the 2028 presidential primary calendar should look like, O’Malley said he wants Democrats to consider the diversity of states and to choose smaller states where candidates can afford to compete.
He also expressed openness to having South Carolina go first, citing the importance of having a presence in the South.
Martin said the process must be “open and transparent” and that the DNC must not put its thumb on the scale. Once the calendar is set, he said, “the guiding principle has to be that it’s both rigorous, efficient and fair” and battle tests the candidates.
Wikler said he agrees “very strongly” with Martin that the DNC’s thumb can’t be on the scale.
“We should have a fair hearing where states get to make their case, and DNC members get to have their say, because this is a significant decision that will shape the path to the presidency,” he said.
Candidates will meet for one final party-run forum in person at the DNC Winter Meeting on January 30. The 448 voting members of the DNC will select their next set of leaders on February 1.
