Ken Martin, a well-connected state party chair, took over the Democratic National Committee as the party searches for ways to win back power.

Democrats elected a Midwesterner and behind-the-scenes operator to take charge of a party still reeling from defeat.

Party insiders are gathering to elect the next chair of the Democratic National Committee, who will help steer the party forward after its crushing 2024 defeats.

As two Midwesterners battle for control of the Democratic National Committee, they are making loud yet unverifiable claims about their levels of support.

Ken Martin, the chair of the Minnesota Democrats, said he was nearing the level of support needed to become the next leader of the Democratic National Committee.

James Skoufis endorsed Ken Martin, the Minnesota party chairman, as he ended his own outsider bid to lead Democrats.

Mr. Shakir said his mission, should he win the post, would be to redefine the Democratic Party as the party of the working class.

Voters are going to the polls on Tuesday in three special elections for the legislature that will serve as barometers of political energy for both parties.

The race to lead the Democratic National Committee centers on the favorites, Ken Martin and Ben Wikler, but the party’s infighting over them looks nothing like a broad reckoning with its 2024 defeats.