Cornale tapped for DNC executive director

Sam Cornale is expected to be named executive director of the Democratic National Committee, according to multiple people familiar with the decision.

Cornale, currently the DNC’s deputy CEO, will be tasked with working with expected incoming chair Jaime Harrison to guide the national party through the turbulent 2022 midterms. The first election cycle after a president is elected is frequently brutal for the party that controls the White House.

Cornale previously helped manage the DNC during the 2020 presidential campaign and 2018 midterms.

He also oversaw Tom Perez’s 2017 campaign to chair the DNC, and worked as a deputy chief of staff for him while Perez served as former President Barack Obama’s Labor secretary.

Mary Beth Cahill will step down from her current role as DNC CEO, but stay on as a senior adviser.

“These battle-tested leaders know how to win, build a political operation that is second to none, and I’m excited they will lead the critical work of the DNC,” said Harrison. “Their continued work will help fulfill the mission of the DNC: growing Democrats’ infrastructure in every part of every state, standing up for the principles we believe in, and marshalling the full resources of the Democratic Party in support of the Biden-Harris administration.”

Elevating Cornale is a sign that President Joe Biden looked favorably on the work of the DNC during the presidential election season. Biden’s campaign worked closely with the national party, including daily calls between press shops. Biden is currently fusing his political operation with the DNC and has vowed to invest in the party’s main political apparatus, as well as in state parties.

Biden advisers have said they were satisfied with how the DNC rebuilt itself in the years after 2016, when it was in a weak position after years of neglect.

“President Biden and my friend incoming Chair Harrison are committed to investing in state parties and our grassroots, building a top-notch political infrastructure in every zip code, and making sure our organization reflects the diverse voices of our great Democratic family,” said Cornale. "I look forward to working with Chairman Harrison to build a team reflective of the diversity of our party, and one that will work tirelessly to make these goals a reality and lead Democrats to future success.”

Cornale’s supporters in the DNC said that he will bring continuity to the position after serving alongside Cahill over the last year.

Democrats have kept a close watch on the diversity of Biden’s picks for his Cabinet and other positions, and this job is no different. Some DNC members said they would have preferred a more diverse pick. Cornale is white.

The DNC said in a statement that it "will announce additional senior staff in the weeks ahead — continuing the Committee's commitment to building a senior leadership team which reflects the Democratic Party and incorporates its top political talent."

Last week, Biden announced a diverse slate of DNC officers, including Harrison, a former South Carolina Democratic Party leader. The president has also thrown his weight behind a group of high-profile vice chairs: Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and Texas Rep. Filemon Vela Jr.

Biden’s slate is uncontested, according to a DNC source. DNC members have been voting for the positions by electronic ballot since Monday. The DNC will hold its winter meeting Thursday afternoon, when the new officers will be officially elected.