Ben Wikler has been chairman of the Wisconsin Democratic Party since 2019.
When the Democratic Party convention meets in Chicago from August 19 to 22, Wikler, the party leader in the state known for a series of electoral successes, will be a central figure from Wisconsin.
Here’s what you should know about Wikler:
Who is Ben Wikler?
Wikler, 43, is from Madison, Wisconsin. He became politically active at age 11, helping his godmother Ada Deer fill envelopes for her congressional campaign.
As a young adult, Wikler volunteered for then-Representative Tammy Baldwin. Since June 2019, Wikler has served as chairman of the Wisconsin Democratic Party.
What did Ben Wikler do before becoming chairman of the Wisconsin Democratic Party?
Wikler has recently worked in politics with Obama’s White House, served as a former surrogate for Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, and worked in the gubernatorial races of Tony Evers and Mandela Barnes. His work in restructuring the Democratic Party after many defeats in Wisconsin has made him a national figure.
Wikler also played a key role for MoveOn – a progressive organization focused on addressing big issues like healthcare and the movement for black lives.
His fight for global funds to fight HIV and AIDS, his commitment to human rights, and his work to save Medicaid are highlighted on his website.
Ben Wikler used the virtual reunion of the “Princess Bride” to raise money for the Democrats in Wisconsin
Wikler, a longtime fan of The Princess Bride, helped organize a virtual reunion with the cast for a table reading of the film.
But it wasn’t just a reunion. The online event attracted over 110,000 viewers and raised $4.25 million for Wisconsin Democrats.
There was also a virtual reunion with the cast of the Milwaukee-based “Happy Days” series.
A minimum donation of $1 was required to view the event, with proceeds going to the state Democratic Party.
Donation records broken in 2023 Wisconsin Supreme Court election
Donations from out of state poured into the race for Wisconsin Supreme Court seats in 2023, with over half of donors contributing to the campaign of liberal Milwaukee County Judge Janet Protasiewicz.
Barry Burden, director of the Election Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, attributed the success of the donations to Wikler.
“Under Ben Wikler, the state Democratic Party has become one of the most prolific fundraising parties in the country,” Burden said of the state party chairman. “At the height of the pandemic, he organized online events with celebrities and other well-known figures to generate interest and donations from across the country. Protasiewicz is now benefiting from the national network of donors that has been built since 2020.”
What successes did the Democrats have under Ben Wikler
The re-election of Governor Tony Evers in 2022 and the election of liberal Justice Janet Protasiewicz to the Supreme Court have contributed to the abandonment of Democratic priorities, such as overturning gerrymandered districting in Wisconsin and reinstating mail-in ballots.
Will Ben Wikler attend the Democratic Party Convention in Chicago?
Yes, Wikler is part of the state’s 95-member delegation.
This article originally appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What you should know about Ben Wikler, chairman of the Wisconsin Democrats
