Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) says he is the best candidate to lead the Democratic National Committee (DNC) because he could increase voter turnout in areas that help Democrats win elections.

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"We need to turn out the vote, and I'm actually pretty good at it," Ellison said on CNN Monday.

"I believe by getting out the vote in Milwaukee, Detroit, Flint and the suburbs of Philly, we could have changed this whole election."

Ellison, a six-term congressman, is running to be chairman of the DNC. His candidacy is backed by prominent figures and party leaders, including Sens. Bernie Sanders Bernie SandersButtigieg stands in as Pence for Harris's debate practice Bernie Sanders warns of 'nightmare scenario' if Trump refuses election results Harris joins women's voter mobilization event also featuring Pelosi, Gloria Steinem, Jane Fonda MORE (I-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren Elizabeth WarrenHarris joins women's voter mobilization event also featuring Pelosi, Gloria Steinem, Jane Fonda Judd Gregg: The Kamala threat — the Californiaization of America GOP set to release controversial Biden report MORE (D-Mass.) and incoming Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer Chuck SchumerSenate Democrats introduce legislation to probe politicization of pandemic response Schumer interrupted during live briefing by heckler: 'Stop lying to the people' Jacobin editor: Primarying Schumer would force him to fight Trump's SCOTUS nominee MORE (D-N.Y.).

Vermont Gov. Howard Dean and South Carolina Democratic Party chairman Jaime Harrison are also running for the post.

Ellison told CNN that he is the best candidate to take the party in a new direction.

"The real problem for Democrats is we've got to help people believe, and then we've got to deliver the message to them," he said.

"Believe what? That we are absolutely, unshakably on their side, and we're going to fight for them every single minute."

He added that middle-class workers are "really super nervous" about their futures" and "they need somebody who cares."

"We also in the Democratic Party have to strengthen the glass roots. Power should be concentrated in the field, not in D.C.