MADISON, Wis. — This weekend, Democrats will decide who replaces Ben Wikler as chair of the state party during their annual convention in Wisconsin Dells.

Wikler, who decided not to seek reelection, leaves not only big shoes to fill but also a to-do list for whoever takes over: win a trifecta in Wisconsin.

What You Need To Know

  • Ben Wikler has served as Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair since 2019

  • In April, he announced that he would not seek a fourth two-year term

  • The decision came after Wikler’s failed bid to lead the Democratic National Committee

  • Over the past five years, Democrats in Wisconsin have raised more than $200 million under Wikler’s leadership

Since 2019, Wikler has served as the chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin (DPW).

During a WisPolitics event last week, Wikler gave the crowd a better idea of what might be next for him.

“I’m working on a book proposal because I think there’s a lot to learn,” Wikler explained. “In Wisconsin, I think we had a preview of what’s happening nationally.”

There is also a lot to learn from Wikler, who many see as a powerhouse of the party.

Over the last five years, Democrats have raised more than $200 million and won 10 of the past 13 statewide races, according to a tally by WisPolitics.

Wikler announced in April that he would not seek a fourth two-year term. The decision came after a failed bid to become chair of the Democratic National Committee.

With three people in the race to replace him, Wikler weighed in about why he put his support behind Devin Remiker, the party’s former executive director, over Milwaukee-based strategist Joe Zepecki and La Crosse County Democratic Party Co-Chair William Garcia.

“I knew because I had worked so closely with him, that Devin Remiker would be an extraordinary chair of the state party. Devin was the person who this spring, mapped out, was the architect of the People vs. Musk campaign — the plan to go directly at Musk in the Supreme Court race,” Wikler said.

As for his next chapter, Wikler is focused on family.

“There have been camping trips, my 7-year-old is playing a blowfish in his school play at the moment, and I got to go to opening day,” Wikler added.

He is also staying silent about his political aspirations, including if Gov. Tony Evers doesn’t run for a third term.

“I have no news to share. I’m focused on making sure we’re ready to support him into a third term and to win a Democratic Assembly Majority and a Senate Majority,” Wikler said.

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