Former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley told President Joe Biden on Monday that he was resigning as head of the U.S. Social Security Administration to run for office with the hopes of leading the Democratic National Committee .
O’Malley, 61, announced his candidacy in an interview with the New York Times and emphasized the need to connect with voters through a broad and unifying vision.
“We must connect our Party with the most important place in America — the kitchen table of every family’s home,” O’Malley said in a post on social media. “Jobs, Opportunity, and Economic Security for all. Getting things done. Hope. A 50-state strategy. Now.”
O’Malley is the first candidate to openly seek the DNC leadership spot as the party tries to reshape itself after the 2024 presidential loss and Republicans’ takeover of both chambers of Congress .
With outgoing chair Jaime Harrison not seeking another term, the new DNC leader will face significant challenges, including mending internal divisions, revamping electoral strategies and preparing for the 2026 midterms and 2028 presidential race.