Faiz Shakir Joins Race for DNC Chair
Faiz Shakir, a longtime Democratic political operative, is joining the race for chair of the Democratic National Committee just a few weeks before the vote. Shakir managed Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign and currently directs the nonprofit More Perfect Union.
In an interview, Shakir emphasized that the Democratic Party needs to focus on broader issues affecting the party, rather than internal politics. “We are debating how clean to keep the kitchen while the Titanic is going down,” he said. “The Democratic brand is the issue, and we’re spending time worrying about…the consultant contract and whether this state party has enough funding here or there.”
Shakir suggested that the party needs to focus on personal interactions and building community. He advocated for activities such as sending pizza to striking union workers, having Super Bowl watch parties, and being seen as a surprise leader who will “stick out their head” and take risks.
Despite previously expressing doubt that he could win the race for DNC chair, Shakir said he is running and has confidence in his chances. The party will vote for a new chair on February 1. Shakir is joined in the race by current Midwestern state party chairs Ken Martin and Ben Wikler, as well as former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley.
