What to know about Ben Wikler, chairman of the Wisconsin Democratic Party

Ben Wikler has been the chairman of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin since 2019.

When the Democratic National Convention convenes in Chicago Aug. 19-22, a central figure from Wisconsin will be Wikler, the party's leader in the state known for a string of electoral successes.

Here is what to know about Wikler:

Who is Ben Wikler?

Wikler, 43, is from Madison, Wis. He became involved in politics when he was 11 and helped his godmother Ada Deer stuff envelopes for her congressional campaign.

As a young adult, Wikler volunteered for then Assemblywoman Tammy Baldwin. Since June 2019, Wikler has been chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin.

What did Ben Wikler do before becoming Wisconsin Democratic Party chairman?

Wikler has a recent political history of his work with the Obama White House, being a former surrogate for Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, and working to help elect the gubernatorial ticket of Tony Evers and Mandela Barnes. His work turning the Democratic Party around following many losses in Wisconsin has made him a national figure.

Wikler also played a key role for MoveOn — a progressive organization focusing on addressing big issues such as health care and the Movement for Black Lives.

Fighting for global funding for HIV and AIDS, advocating for human rights and his work to save Medicaid are all highlighted on his website.

Ben Wikler used 'Princess Bride' virtual reunion to raise money for Wisconsin Democrats

Wikler, a long-term fan of "The Princess Bride," helped orchestrate a virtual reunion with the movie cast for a table read of the film.

But it wasn't just a reunion. The online event drew in more than 110,000 viewers and $4.25 million in fundraising for Wisconsin Democrats.

There was also a virtual reunion with the "Happy Days" cast from the set in Milwaukee TV show.

To watch the event, a minimum donation of $1 was required with funds going to the state Democratic Party.

Fund-raising records were smashed during the 2023 Wisconsin Supreme Court election

Out-of-state donations flowed into the Wisconsin Supreme Court race in 2023, with over half of donors contributing to liberal Milwaukee County Judge Janet Protasiewicz's campaign.

Barry Burden, director of the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Elections Research Center attributed the success of donations to Wikler.

"Under Ben Wikler, the state Democratic Party has become one of the most prolific parties for fundraising in the country," Burden said of the state party's chairman. "During the height of the pandemic, he organized online events featuring celebrities and other notable figures to attract interest and donations from across the country. Protasiewicz is now benefitting from the national network of donors that has built up since 2020."

What successes have Democrats had under Ben Wikler

Gov. Tony Evers re-election in 2022 and liberal Justice Janet Protasiewicz's Supreme Court election has contributed to overturning Democratic priorities such as overturning Wisconsin's gerrymandered legislative maps and restoring the use of absentee ballot drop boxes.

Will Ben Wikler be at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago?

Yes, Wikler is part of the state's 95-member delegation.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What to know about Ben Wikler, chairman of the Wisconsin Democrats