Abortion rights leader mulls run for DNC chair

The president of a leading abortion rights organization is weighing a bid for the chairmanship of the Democratic National Committee (DNC).

Ilyse Hogue, who leads NARAL Pro-Choice America, would join former and current Democratic officials and lawmakers in the race, and would be the only woman in the running to replace interim chair Donna Brazile.

{mosads}“In the last week many people within the Democratic Party at both the national and state level have approached Ilyse about running for chair of the party,” NARAL national communications director Kaylie Hanson Long said in a statement Tuesday. “She is listening and considering all her options.”

Democrats are racing to decide their party’s future leadership after Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton’s shocking loss one week ago to Donald Trump.

Hanson Long said Hogue considers the DNC chair a “full time position” critical for acting as a counter to Trump’s agenda.

“[Hogue], like millions of Americans, wants to do everything in her power to stop Trump from enacting his dangerous and reckless policies. She will be considering what platform is best to accomplish that goal in the days and weeks ahead,” she said.

She added that Democrats should carefully consider who would best represent them as DNC chair after last week’s crushing defeat.

“Ilyse feels strongly that we should not rush to a decision on the next chair, and we should consider people of all backgrounds, representing all constituencies of the Democratic Party,” Hanson Long said.

Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) on Monday launched his bid for the DNC chairmanship following high-profile endorsements from Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and more.

Former DNC Chairman and Vermont Gov. Howard Dean is also in the running, and South Carolina Democratic Party Chairman Jaime Harrison followed suit Monday evening. Labor Secretary Tom Perez and former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley reportedly weighing bids as well.