Ex-homeland security expert jumps into democratic party leadership contest
A former counter-terrorism expert joins the race to lead Democrats after their big november losses. Nate Snyder wants to bring back working-class voters while competing with four other candidates for the top spot
Nate Snyder‚ a former counter-terrorism expert has joined the race to lead the democratic party - making him the only non-white candidate among five hopefuls seeking the position. The ex-homeland security official (who has jewish and latino roots) decided to run after a disappointing party meet-up in arizona earlier this month
After watching democrats lose big in nov-24‚ Snyder thinks its time for a major shake-up. “We cant repeat this‚ no matter what because our democracy depends on it‚“ he said at a recent press conference; but nobody seems ready to sound the alarm
The other candidates running for the position include:
- Ken Martin from minnesota democratic party
- Former maryland governor Martin OʼMalley
- Wisconsin democrats leader Ben Wikler
- New york state senator James Skoufis
The role - which will be decided by 448 committee members on feb-1 next year - hasnt been held by a white man since Tim Kaine led the party about 15 years ago. The current chair Jaime Harrison plans to step down in early-25
Snyder brings unique experience from his time working on counter-terrorism and organizing labor movements. He also helped run Barack Obamaʼs successful 2008 campaign in key mid-western states. His focus now is on reconnecting with working-class voters - pointing to issues like education costs student loans and economic fairness as key priorities
The other candidates have their own ideas: Martin wants to fix the partys image‚ Wikler aims to reach non-political people while OʼMalley focuses on economic issues‚ and Skoufis plans to give more power back to state parties
