Former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley might throw his hat into the ring for DNC chair. | AP Photo O'Malley 'taking a hard look' at DNC chair

Former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley is considering running for Democratic National Committee chairman.

"Since the election, I have been approached by many Democrats who believe our party needs new leadership," O'Malley said in a statement Friday. "I'm taking a hard look at DNC Chair because I know how badly we need to reform our nominating process, articulate a bold progressive vision, recommit ourselves to higher wages and a stronger middle class, and return to our roots as a nationwide, grassroots party."


The announcement came a day after former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, a former chairman himself, announced that he is running for the job. Rep. Keith Ellison Thursday night also said he would make an announcement on Monday on whether he would run or not.

Ellison has already secured high-profile endorsements in the DNC race, including Sen. Bernie Sanders and MoveOn.Org. Sen. Elizabeth Warren also said Thursday that Ellison would make a "terrific" chairman. POLITICO Playbook reported Friday morning that Sen. Chuck Schumer, the likely next Senate minority leader, also backs Ellison.