Jaime Harrison may have failed to unseat South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, but he’s President-elect Joe Biden’s reported pick to become the next chairman of the Democratic National Committee.
Harrison will likely lead the Democrats’ push to keep both the House and Senate after the 2022 elections. The party underperformed this cycle down-ballot.
While Harrison has long been favored by Biden for the role, thanks in part to House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn’s endorsement, he will still need to win a rank-and-file member vote this month.
Neither a Biden transition nor a DNC spokesman immediately responded to the Washington Examiner‘s requests for comment.
Harrison was a fundraising powerhouse last year. He brought in $100 million for his unsuccessful Senate campaign, losing to Graham by double digits. Polling had suggested the contest was a toss-up.
Harrison is a DNC associate chair and senior counselor. He’s also a former chairman of the South Carolina Democratic Party.
Biden’s choice of Harrison to replace outgoing DNC Chairman Tom Perez, who isn’t seeking reelection, comes after the organization rebuilt following former President Barack Obama’s administration. The effort was boosted by President Trump, who united the so-called “big tent” party against him. Obama had leaned on his outside group, instead of relying on the official Democratic structure.
Another challenge Harrison will likely face is planning for the 2024 presidential primaries, provided Biden doesn’t want another term. Democrats are still trying to address how they’ll improve on last year’s disastrous Iowa caucuses, which were plagued with technological glitches.