Reid endorses Ellison for DNC chief

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) says he supports making Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) the next chairman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC).

“My friend Keith Ellison is a terrific leader and a strong progressive who knows how to get things done,” he said Sunday, according to NBC News.

{mosads}“Now is the time for new thinking and a fresh start at the DNC,” the retiring lawmaker added. “Now is the time for Keith.”

Democrats are reeling from President-elect Donald Trump’s shocking victory over Hillary Clinton last Tuesday. Some of the backlash following her defeat has been laid at the feet of the DNC, which was targeted by Wikileaks. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz stepped down as chairwoman earlier this summer after her emails were released, and interim Chairwoman Donna Brazile also landed in hot water, when emails showed she gave debate questions to the Clinton campaign ahead of time. 

Ellison has emerged as a top contender for the committee chairmanship following several major endorsements.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) on Thursday backed Ellison, giving him support from Clinton’s biggest rival in the Democratic presidential primary.

Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), who is set to be the next Senate minority leader, followed suit the same day.

Ellison, the first Muslim elected to Congress, has not formally launched a bid for the DNC chairmanship.

Former Gov. Howard Dean (D-Vt.) on Thursday announced he would run for the position again, after having previously held it from 2005-09.

Former Gov. Martin O’Malley (D-Md.), meanwhile, on Friday said he is “taking a hard look” at a DNC bid after his unsuccessful White House run earlier this year.

Reports emerged Friday that Labor Secretary Tom Perez (D) is additionally eyeing the chairmanship.

Election night was big for the GOP across the board. Republicans kept their House and Senate majorities intact, meaning their party will dominate the executive and legislative branches under Trump.