DNC Vice-Chair R.T. Rybak endorses Michael Blake to succeed him as a DNC Vice-Chair

  Today, the Michael Blake for DNC campaign announced that Blake has secured the endorsement of former Minneapolis Mayor and current DNC Vice Chair, R.T. Rybak.

In announcing his endorsement of Blake to succeed him as Vice-Chair, Rybak cited the need for new progressive leadership in the party, saying:

“In 2008, it was my pleasure to work side by side with Michael in the Minnesota Presidential primary for then-Senator Barack Obama. Together, we mobilized communities across the state, from union families to Somalian Americans, to millennials, to take action and support the President’s candidacy. I saw firsthand his ability to put together coalitions and identify strategic paths to victory. Mike is exceptionally prepared to help Democrats win local elections and harness our diversity than Michael Blake.”

Accepting the endorsement, Blake said, “I’m honored to have R.T.'s support not just for my candidacy, but for our campaign's vision of a Vice-Chair dedicated to winning local elections.”

Blake served as a White House liaison for state and local elected officials and led African-American & Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises outreach. As a two-time campaign aide to President Obama including serving as Michigan Deputy State Director in 2008 where the campaign won all seven down ballot campaigns for their coordinated campaign effort.  In 2012 he served as the National Deputy Director of Operation Vote, the constituency vote effort for the campaign that helped win nine out of ten battleground states

Blake announced his candidacy last week, focusing on the party’s need to identify, train and help candidates win local elections and embrace our party's diversity. Under the theme of "Leadership for Tomorrow" Blake laid out plans to Build our Bench, Strengthen our Party, and Embrace our Future.

Blake is a graduate of New York City public schools and Northwestern University, where he earned his degree in Broadcast Journalism before embarking on a career in public service. As a campaign manager, he's helped win several local elections and flip the Michigan house to Democratic control. He is currently a member of the New York State General Assembly.