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Democratic and Republican Party committee leadership elections, 2025

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Party Committees
Democratic National Committee (DNC) • Republican National Committee (RNC)
Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) • National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC)
Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) • National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC)
Fundraising
2025-2026 • 2023-2024 • 2021-2022 • 2019-2020 • 2018
Leadership elections
2025 • 2023
See also
U.S. Senate leadership elections, 2025
U.S. House leadership elections, 2025

This page covers Democratic and Republican Party leadership elections leading up to the 2026 election cycle. Each party selects leadership responsible for leading the party's national, Senate, and House committees. The national committee's purpose involves oversight of the presidential nominating process as well as supporting party candidates with research, polling, and funding in races across the country. The House and Senate committees are dedicated to helping elect candidates from their party to Congress and helping incumbents win re-election.

Leaders can be selected in a variety of ways, but they are typically elected by party members or a party's congressional caucus. Heading into the 2026 election cycle, three of these leadership positions were open: chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), chair of the Democratic Senatorial Committee (DSCC), and chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC). Tim Scott (R-S.C.) was elected to serve as chair of the NRSC on November 13, 2024. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) was selected to serve as chairwoman of the DSCC on January 6, 2025. Ken Martin won the election for DNC chair on February 1, 2025.[1]

In July 2025, then-RNC chairman Michael Whatley announced his candidacy for U.S. Senate in North Carolina in 2026. The day after his campaign announcement, he announced he would resign as chairman after the RNC summer meeting, when the committee would elect a new chair.[2] On August 22, the RNC elected Joe Gruters as the new RNC chairman.[3] Click here to read more about the election.

Click the links below to read more about the leadership elections for the following party committees:

National committees

Democratic National Committee (DNC)

Ken Martin won the election for chairman of the Democratic National Committee on February 1, 2025, at the party's winter meeting.[4][1]

Incumbent Chairman Jaime Harrison did not seek re-election as chairman.[5][6] Nine individuals announced their candidacy for DNC chair:

  • Quintessa Hathaway, 2022 candidate for Arkansas' 2nd Congressional District, announced her candidacy on January 6, 2025. Hathaway's campaign issued a statement saying, "A 2022 Democratic Nominee for Congress (AR-02) and educator, Dr. Quintessa Hathaway, has joined the race for Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair to lead the Party in that fight."[7]
  • Robert Houton, a 2024 U.S. Senate candidate in Maryland, announced his candidacy on December 1, 2024. In a letter, Houton said he wanted to, "lead and grow our Democratic party to champion electoral and transformative, legacy victories in 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, and beyond."[8]
  • Jonathan Jackson, U.S. representative from Illinois, announced his candidacy on January 6, 2025. In an interview with ABC 7 Chicago, Jackson said, "I've been involved in campaigns, actually, for the last 40 years, since 1984 to 2024, I've seen the growth of the party. I've seen the change of the parties. I've got a lot of relationships across the country. But I started seeing the wheels come off of the of the cart, if you will, during the presidential election."[9]
  • Ken Martin, chairman of the Minnesota Democratic Party, announced his candidacy on November 19, 2024. In a video, Martin said, "When I'm traveling around the country, most people I chat with want the same things. To stay ahead on their bills, to give their families a better life, and to live in safe and healthy communities. That's exactly what Democrats stand for. But we need to reconnect our ideas [...] back to our party and to our candidates."[10]
  • Martin O'Malley, former governor of Maryland and 2016 Democratic presidential candidate, announced his candidacy on November 18, 2024. In an interview with The New York Times, O'Malley said, "I believe that in order for us to rebuild and win elections, we have to be entirely focused on winning elections. Because if we don’t win, everybody loses. We have to engage in the economic arguments as to why the choices that we are making are better for Americans all over the country."[11]
  • Jason Paul, an executive member of the Newton, Massachusetts, Democratic City Committee, announced his candidacy on December 5, 2024. In a statement, Paul said, "I’m asking DNC members, and my fellow Democrats, to expand their understanding of what’s possible. We must switch from tweaking the status quo to a moonshot mindset—what is it going to take to build a durable Democratic majority in this country? And then we need to do that."[12]
  • Faiz Shakir, the campaign manager for Bernie Sanders' (I-Vt.) 2020 presidential campaign, announced his candidacy on January 15, 2025. In an interview with The New York Times, Shakir said, "We are rebuilding trust with people who don’t believe the Democratic Party has been there when it matters most to them."[13]
  • Nate Snyder, a former U.S. Department of Homeland Security official, announced his candidacy on December 10, 2024. Snyder's website said, "We need to reinvigorate our imaginations to develop solutions to the new landscape we face as a party. And, we must listen more. For years, our Labor allies, working families, and communities have been vocal about tripwires indicating shifts we now see as reality. Doubling down on more of the same or working harder will not get the job done."[14]
  • Ben Wikler, chairman of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, announced his candidacy on December 1, 2024. In a statement, Wikler said, "Today, the country we love needs the Democratic Party to be stronger. To unite. To fight. And to win. In Wisconsin, we run a permanent campaign. We organize and communicate year-round, in every community—and it works. We've ended GOP control and unrigged our state. What has made a difference here can make a difference everywhere."[15]
  • Marianne Williamson, an author and 2024 presidential candidate, announced her candidacy on December 26, 2024. Williamson wrote, "MAGA is a distinctly 21st century political movement and it will not be defeated by a 20th century tool kit. Data analysis, fundraising, field organizing, and beefed-up technology — while all are important — will not be enough to prepare the way for Democratic victory in 2024 and beyond. That’s why I have decided to run for DNC Chair this year."[16]

The following candidates withdrew:

The DNC held candidate forums ahead of the election for chair. The following forums took place:

DNC chairman forums
Date Host Link Participants
December 7, 2024 Young Democrats of America Link Ken Martin, Martin O'Malley, James Skoufis, Ben Wikler
January 6, 2025 DNC Labor Council Link Quintessa Hathaway, Ken Martin, Martin O'Malley, Jason Paul, James Skoufis, Nate Snyder, Ben Wikler, Marianne Williamson
January 11, 2025 Democratic National Committee Link Quintessa Hathaway, Ken Martin, Martin O'Malley, Jason Paul, James Skoufis, Nate Snyder, Ben Wikler, Marianne Williamson
January 14, 2025 Brian Tyler Cohen and Leigh McGowan Link Quintessa Hathaway, Ken Martin, Martin O'Malley, Jason Paul, James Skoufis, Ben Wikler, Marianne Williamson
January 16, 2025 Democratic National Committee and Politico Link Quintessa Hathaway, Ken Martin, Martin O'Malley, Jason Paul, Nate Snyder, Ben Wikler, Marianne Williamson
January 23, 2025 Democratic National Committee Link Quintessa Hathaway, Ken Martin, Martin O'Malley, Jason Paul, Nate Snyder, Ben Wikler, Marianne Williamson
January 24, 2025 Democratic National Committee and South Carolina Democratic Party Link Quintessa Hathaway, Ken Martin, Martin O'Malley, Jason Paul, Nate Snyder, Ben Wikler
January 30, 2025 Democratic National Committee and MSNBC Link Quintessa Hathaway, Ken Martin, Martin O'Malley, Jason Paul, Faiz Shakir, Nate Snyder, Ben Wikler, Marianne Williamson

Republican National Committee (RNC) - January 2025

The RNC held leadership elections at their winter meeting on January 17, 2025. Incumbent chairman Michael Whatley was unanimously re-elected.[19]

Republican National Committee (RNC) - August 2025

In July 2025, then-RNC chairman Michael Whatley announced his candidacy for U.S. Senate in North Carolina in 2026. The day after his campaign announcement, he announced he would resign as chairman after the RNC summer meeting, when the committee would elect a new chair. In a statement, Whatley said, "I’ve been involved in politics for more than three decades and being asked by President Trump to be the Chairman of the RNC has been the greatest honor of my lifetime. I am immensely proud of all that we have accomplished in the past year and a half. Working with President Trump and his campaign, two phenomenal co-chairs in Lara Trump and KC Crosbie, and each and every member of the 168 has made this the most rewarding job I have ever undertaken."[2]

The RNC summer meeting took place from August 18-22, 2025.[2] Ahead of the meeting, President Donald Trump (R) endorsed RNC Treasurer Joe Gruters as Whatley's successor.[20] Gruters was the only candidate to file to run as chairman, and he was subsequently elected on August 22.[21][22]

Senate committees

See also: U.S. Senate leadership elections, 2025

Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC)

On January 6, 2025, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer announced that Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) would serve as the chairwoman of the DSCC for the 2026 election cycle.[23]

National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC)

Tim Scott (R-S.C.) won the election for NRSC chairman at the Senate Republican Caucus leadership elections on November 13, 2024.[24][25] Scott was elected without opposition. Scott announced his candidacy on November 8, 2024.[26] U.S. Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), and Steve Daines (R-Mont.), the incumbent NRSC chairman, all endorsed Scott's candidacy.[27]

House committees

See also: U.S. House leadership elections, 2025

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC)

On December 6, 2024, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) announced that Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.) would serve as the DCCC chairwoman for the 2026 election cycle. DelBene first served as the DCCC chairwoman during the 2024 election cycle.[28]

National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC)

Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.) was re-elected to be National Republican Congressional Committee chairman for the 2026 election cycle when House Republicans held their leadership elections on November 13, 2024. He ran unopposed.[29] Hudson declared his candidacy on November 10, 2024.[30]

About party committees

Democratic National Committee (DNC)

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) is the principal governing organization of the Democratic Party of the United States.

The DNC is responsible for overseeing the process of writing and promoting the party platform every four years and providing national leadership surrounding campaign, fundraising, political activity, and election strategy.

The DNC is made up of the chairs and vice chairs of each state Democratic Party and more than 200 elected members from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the territories.[31][32]

The main counterpart of the DNC is the Republican National Committee (RNC).

To read about the DNC's recent political activity, click here. To read about the DNC's recent fundraising reports, click here.

Republican National Committee (RNC)

The Republican National Committee (RNC) provides national leadership for the Republican Party, one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States.

The RNC is responsible for developing and promoting the Republican Party platform as well as coordinating fundraising and election strategy. It is also responsible for organizing and running the Republican National Convention every four years.

The members of the RNC include the national leadership and the chair of the state Republican Party the District of Columbia, and each of the U.S. states and territories.[33][34]

The RNC's main counterpart is the Democratic National Committee (DNC).

To read about the RNC's recent political activity, click here. To read about the RNC's recent fundraising reports, click here.

Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC)

The DSCC took on its modern form as a comprehensive national campaign committee following the U.S. Supreme Court's 1976 ruling in Buckley v. Valeo.[35] Its role in elections includes organizing, recruiting candidates, and allocating funds to battleground races.[36]

As of February 2025, the group had the following mission statement:

“ The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee is the only committee solely dedicated to electing a Democratic Senate. From organizing to fundraising to candidate recruitment, the DSCC works around-the-clock to re-elect Democratic senators and send new leaders to Washington who will move our country forward.[36][37] ”

To read about the DSCC's recent political activity, click here. To read about the DSCC's recent fundraising reports, click here.

National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC)

The NRSC was founded in 1916 and took on its modern form following the U.S. Supreme Court's 1976 decision in Buckley v. Valeo.[38][39][40]

As of May 2024, the NRSC had the following mission statement:

“ We provide invaluable support and assistance to current and prospective Republican U.S. Senate candidates in the areas of budget planning, election law compliance, fundraising, communications tools and messaging, and research and strategy.[36][37] ”

To read about the NRSC's recent political activity, click here. To read about the NRSC's recent fundraising reports, click here.

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC)

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) is an official subsidiary of the national Democratic Party. As a national political committee, the group makes political contributions to support the election of Democratic candidates to the U.S. House.[41][42]

The DCCC designs campaign contribution strategies in order to support vulnerable incumbents, bolster new recruits, and flip battleground seats.

To read about the DCCC's recent political activity, click here. To read about the DCCC's recent fundraising reports, click here.

National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC)

The NRCC was founded in 1866 by the Republican caucuses of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.[41] According to the NRCC website, the committee:

“ ...supports the election of Republicans to the House through direct financial contributions to candidates and Republican Party organizations; technical and research assistance to Republican candidates and Party organizations; voter registration, education and turnout programs; and other Party-building activities."[41][37] ”

The NRCC's campaign contributions are targeted towards supporting vulnerable incumbents, bolstering new recruits, and flipping battleground seats.

To read about the NRCC's recent political activity, click here. To read about the NRCC's recent fundraising reports, click here.

Democratic and Republican Party committee leadership elections, 2023

Democratic National Committee (DNC)

The DNC did not hold an election for chairman in 2023.[43] The incumbent chairman was Jaime Harrison (D).

Republican National Committee (RNC) - March 2024

RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel resigned from her position on March 8, 2024. The RNC elected North Carolina Republican Party Chairman Michael Whatley to serve as the new chairman that day at their Spring Training meeting in Houston, Texas.[44]

Whatley was the only person to announce his candidacy for the position. In a February 26 letter to RNC members Whatley said, "I have been truly honored to receive President Trump’s endorsement for this position and I hope to earn your vote as we undertake the crucial work of winning up and down the ballot in 2024."[45]

Aftermath

Following Whatley's election as chairman, and Lara Trump's election as co-chairwoman, the committee engaged in staff layoffs. According to a March 11 report by Politico, around 60 staff members from the political, communications, and data departments were expected to be laid off, including five members of senior staff. Politico's Alex Isenstadt wrote, "The overhaul is aimed at cutting, what one of the people described as, 'bureaucracy' at the RNC. But the move also underscores the swiftness with which Trump’s operation is moving to take over the Republican Party’s operations after the former president all but clinched the party’s presidential nomination last week."[46]

Republican National Committee (RNC) - January 2023

The RNC leadership election took place on January 27, 2023.[47][48] Incumbent Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, Harmeet Dhillon, and Mike Lindell were nominated.[49] McDaniel was re-elected to a fourth term with 111 votes, followed by Dhillon with 51, and Lindell with 4.[50]

Leading up to the election, a spokeswoman for McDaniel said, "Just like the RNC, Chairwoman McDaniel’s decision to run for re-election was member-driven. Members of the 168 rallied around the chairwoman because of her unprecedented investments in the grassroots, election integrity and minority communities, and for taking on Big Tech and the biased Commission on Presidential Debates."[51]

Dhillon announced her candidacy on December 5, 2022. In a statement, she said, "After three successive terms of underwhelming results at the polls for the GOP, all the while with leaders congratulating ourselves for outstanding performance, I feel that we owe it to our voters to have a serious debate about the leadership of the party and what we must change to actually win in 2024."[47]

Lindell announced his candidacy on November 28, 2022, saying, "With all my due diligence and in prayer, I am 100% running for RNC chairman against Ronna McDaniel. [...] I’m all in and not only am I going to win, but it’s going to change real fast. We’re going to get our country righted really quick."[52]


Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC)

On January 9, 2022, incumbent chairman Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) said he would serve a second term for the 2024 cycle.[53] Previous to this announcement, Peters had said he didn't intend to do so.[54]

National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC)

The NRSC elected its chairman at the Senate Republican Caucus leadership elections on November 16, 2022. Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) was elected without opposition. Former incumbent Rick Scott (R-Fla.) did not seek another term.[55]


Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC)

At the House Democratic Caucus leadership elections, the caucus voted to allow the House Democratic leader, Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), to select a chairperson, whose selection would then be voted on by the full caucus. On December 20, 2022, Jeffries announced he had appointed Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.) to serve in the role.[56] The full caucus voted to approve the choice on December 22.[57]

Former incumbent Sean Patrick Maloney (D-N.Y.) did not win re-election to the House of Representatives in 2022.

National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC)

The NRCC elected its chairman at the House Republican Caucus leadership elections on November 15, 2022. Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.) was elected without opposition. Former incumbent Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) did not seek another term.[58]


See also


Footnotes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Politico, "Dems elect Ken Martin to lead their anti-Trump strategy," February 1, 2025
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Southeast Politics, "Michael Whatley formally announces he will step down as RNC Chair," August 1, 2025
  3. ↑ The Washington Post, "Republican National Committee elects Trump-backed Joe Gruters as chair," August 22, 2025
  4. ↑ X, "Elena Schneider o November 25, 2024," accessed November 25, 2024
  5. ↑ Associated Press, "The Democrats are starting to discuss party chair candidates for the second Trump era," November 9, 2024
  6. ↑ Reuters, "Democratic Party chair Harrison won't seek new term after Trump win, sources say," November 6, 2024
  7. ↑ Quintessa Hathaway's website, "Dr. Quintessa Hathaway, 2022 Democratic Nominee For Congress (AR-02) And Educator Joins Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair Race Official Press Release," January 6, 2025
  8. ↑ ABC News, "Two more Democrats join race for Democratic National Committee chair," December 1, 2024
  9. ↑ ABC 7 Chicago, "Chicago Congressman Jonathan Jackson says he should be next Democratic National Committee chair," January 6, 2025
  10. ↑ X, "Ken Martin on November 19, 2024," accessed November 19, 2024
  11. ↑ The New York Times, "Martin O’Malley, Ex-Maryland Governor, Kicks Off Race to Lead D.N.C.," November 18, 2024
  12. ↑ The Newton Beacon, "Newton Democrat running for DNC chair," December 8, 2024
  13. ↑ The New York Times, "Faiz Shakir, Ex-Bernie Sanders Campaign Chief, Joins Race for D.N.C. Chair," January 15, 2025
  14. ↑ Nate for DNC, "Home," accessed December 17, 2024
  15. ↑ Ben Wikler's website, "Home," accessed December 9, 2024
  16. ↑ The Hill, "Marianne Williamson launches bid for DNC chair," December 26, 2024
  17. ↑ X, "James Skoufis on November 30, 2024," accessed December 9, 2024
  18. ↑ Politico, "Ken Martin gets another endorsement in DNC race as James Skoufis drops out," January 16, 2025
  19. ↑ C-SPAN, "Republican National Committee 2025 Winter Meeting General Session," January 17, 2025
  20. ↑ Politico, "With Trump's support, Gruters path to lead RNC moving smoothly," August 22, 2025
  21. ↑ C-SPAN, "Republican National Committee Elects New Chair," August 22, 2025
  22. ↑ The Washington Post, "Republican National Committee elects Trump-backed Joe Gruters as chair," August 22, 2025
  23. ↑ DSCC, "Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand to Chair DSCC for 2026 Cycle," January 6, 2025
  24. ↑ The Hill, "Barrasso becomes No. 2 Senate leader," November 13, 2024
  25. ↑ Punchbowl News, "The big rush: GOP sets Nov. 13 for leadership showdowns," October 30, 2024
  26. ↑ The Hill, "Tim Scott officially launches bid to run NRSC," November 8, 2024
  27. ↑ Politico, "Tim Scott seeks to run Senate GOP’s campaign arm," November 8, 2024
  28. ↑ Roll Call, "Rep. Suzan DelBene will continue as DCCC chair for 2026," December 6, 2024
  29. ↑ X, "Olivia Beavers on November 13, 2024," accessed November 13, 2024
  30. ↑ Axios, "Scoop: Richard Hudson launches NRCC reelection bid," November 10, 2024
  31. ↑ Democrats.org, "Democratic National Committee," accessed May 9, 2016
  32. ↑ CNN, "Wasserman Schultz resigning as party leader," July 24, 2016
  33. ↑ P2016 Race for the White House, "Republican National Committee – 2015," accessed October 14, 2016
  34. ↑ Republican National Committee, "State leadership," accessed October 14, 2016
  35. ↑ Roll Call, "Senate Chairmen Try to Avoid Historic Home-State Losses," September 24, 2014
  36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 36.2 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named about
  37. ↑ 37.0 37.1 37.2 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
  38. ↑ Roll Call, "Senate Chairmen Try to Avoid Historic Home-State Losses," September 24, 2014
  39. ↑ U.S. Senate, "Senatorial Campaign Committee Chairs," accessed June 18, 2019
  40. ↑ Google Books, "Campaign Finance Reform: The Political Shell Game," accessed June 18, 2019
  41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 41.2 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named ab
  42. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named fec
  43. ↑ The Philadelphia Inquirer, "Democrats are looking to project unity in Philly this week after a bitter RNC meeting," February 2, 2023
  44. ↑ Republican National Committee, "RNC STATEMENT FROM CHAIRWOMAN RONNA MCDANIEL," February 26, 2024
  45. ↑ Politico, "Michael Whatley officially announces for RNC Chair," February 26, 2024
  46. ↑ Politico, "Bloodbath at RNC: Trump team slashes staff at committee," March 11, 2024
  47. ↑ 47.0 47.1 Politico, "Ronna McDaniel set to get new opponent for RNC post," December 4, 2022
  48. ↑ Republican National Committee, "2023 RNC Winter Meeting - January 25-27, 2023," accessed January 10, 2023
  49. ↑ USA Today, "Under the shadows of Trump and 2024, the Republican Party faces a contentious leadership fight," January 25, 2023
  50. ↑ C-SPAN, "Republican National Committee Elects Chair & Other Officials," January 27, 2023
  51. ↑ NBC News, "Ronna McDaniel locked down votes for RNC chair despite the midterm debacle. Here's how she did it.," December 9, 2022
  52. ↑ New York Post, "‘MyPillow Guy’ Mike Lindell says he’s ‘100% running’ for RNC chair," November 28, 2022
  53. ↑ Politico, "Senate Dems tap Peters again as campaign chief in hopes of 2022 repeat," January 9, 2022
  54. ↑ Politico, "Dems agonize over Sinema 2024," December 12, 2022
  55. ↑ Axios, "McConnell re-elected as Senate GOP leader," November 16, 2022
  56. ↑ CNN, "Jeffries appoints DelBene to chair Democrats’ House campaign operation," December 21, 2022
  57. ↑ DCCC, "What They’re Saying: DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene Ratified by House Democratic Caucus," December 22, 2022
  58. ↑ Roll Call, "McCarthy backed for speaker, but has work to do before January," November 15, 2022
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