U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., announced Monday his decision to run for chairman of the Democratic National Committee after Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz resigned earlier this year.
Ellison, who represents Minneapolis, was rumored to run as he has been reaching out to Democrats for support. He has already been endorsed by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., whose presidential campaign he worked on, as well as by U.S. Sens. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., Harry Reid, D-Nev.. and Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis.
In her endorsement, Baldwin voiced the concerns of the Democratic Party in light of Tuesday’s election, and assured that Ellison will join the “fight to make sure all Americans have an opportunity to achieve their hopes and dreams.”
Ellison also received an endorsement from Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Martha Laning.
“I share his vision for re-energizing our broad and diverse Democratic coalition and ensuring that all voices are represented in our party’s leadership,” Laning said in a statement.
Supporters of Ellison are hopeful that he will successfully broaden the Democratic Party and win the favor of millennials in light of his support of Sanders’ campaign.
Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, also competing for chairman of the DNC, expressed concerns over Ellison’s ability to serve both as congressman and chairman.
"You cannot do this job and sit in a political office at the same time. It's not possible," Dean told MSNBC Monday.
Democrats endorsing Ellison are confident that he will revitalize and refresh the Democratic Party at a time they need it most.
“Keith has used every campaign to protect every voter's rights, expand our party's base, include those left behind and elevate new leaders,” said former Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak. “That is exactly what the Democratic Party needs right now."
