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Nebraska’s Jane Kleeb Elected Chair of State Chairs for Democratic National Committee

Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb has been selected as the new president of the Association of State Democratic Committees, a position that places her at the helm of state party chairs nationwide. This leadership role, which she will hold for the next four years, is seen as a key appointment in shaping the Democratic Party’s approach to state-level politics.

Kleeb, who has led the Nebraska Democratic Party through a period of growth, was elected to the role by her peers on Sunday. The election marks a significant achievement in her career, as she becomes the first Nebraskan to lead this national association of state Democratic chairs. The position, often referred to as “chair of chairs,” requires Kleeb to balance her new duties with her ongoing role in Nebraska, where she will continue to serve as state party chair.

The announcement was met with celebration, with outgoing Democratic National Committee (DNC) chair Jaime Harrison expressing his pride in Kleeb’s election. Harrison, who has been instrumental in boosting Democratic efforts in Nebraska, referred to Kleeb as a “dear friend” and praised her ability to build connections across the country.

A Focus on Rural America

Kleeb’s candidacy for the national position was centered around a crucial idea: that Democrats need to refocus their attention on rural America. Her message resonated with many state chairs, who agree that the party has been overly focused on the same few swing states, often neglecting rural and smaller states. Kleeb, a resident of Adams County, Nebraska, has long been an advocate for pushing the party’s reach into more diverse areas.

Jane Kleeb Nebraska

In her campaign for chair of chairs, Kleeb highlighted her unique experience as a rural leader. She argued that addressing the concerns of rural communities—what she refers to as “kitchen table issues”—would help Democrats become more competitive across the nation. Her vision aligns closely with former DNC chair Jaime Harrison’s “50-state strategy,” which calls for greater investment in all states, not just the most obvious battlegrounds.

Kleeb’s leadership will focus on expanding the Democratic footprint beyond the seven to ten states typically seen as presidential or Senate battlegrounds. She has advocated for more resources and attention to be given to states like Nebraska, which have been overlooked in favor of the traditional swing states.

Growing the Democratic Base

One of Kleeb’s most significant accomplishments as chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party has been her success in increasing the number of Democratic officials at the local level. Kleeb often points to the party’s growth from 500 elected Democrats in 2016 to 900 by 2023. This local focus is a key pillar of her leadership style and is something she plans to bring to the national stage.

Kleeb believes that one of the most effective ways to build a strong Democratic base is to invest in down-ballot races and to grow the number of qualified staff who can work their way up through the party ranks. This approach, she argues, will help Democrats win more elections in states where they have traditionally been weaker. She has made it clear that national investments in state parties—particularly in Republican-leaning states like Nebraska—are critical to fostering a deeper bench of Democratic candidates.

Despite her success in growing the state party’s local presence, Kleeb has faced criticism over the lack of statewide wins. Nebraska Democrats have struggled to win major state and federal offices, with the last statewide victory coming in 2014. However, Kleeb has managed to secure a notable win by capturing an Electoral College vote from Nebraska’s Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District in the past two presidential elections.

Challenges Ahead for Kleeb

Despite her accomplishments, Kleeb’s tenure as Nebraska’s Democratic Party chair has not been without challenges. The state has seen losses at the state and federal levels, particularly in legislative elections. For example, while the 2nd District has seen competitive races, Rep. Don Bacon, a Republican, has managed to hold onto his seat despite strong challenges from Democratic candidates.

Nebraska Republicans, meanwhile, have shifted their focus to local races, including school board elections, in an attempt to push back against some of the Democratic wins in recent years. This focus on local races has led to mixed results, but it has created an increasingly competitive political environment in the state.

Despite these challenges, Kleeb’s appointment as chair of the Association of State Democratic Committees marks a new chapter for Nebraska’s influence within the national Democratic Party. Her leadership will likely shape the direction of the Democratic Party’s state-level efforts in the coming years.

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