Marianne Williamson launches bid for Democratic National Committee chair

Washington — Marianne Williamson, a self-help author who twice ran for president, announced Thursday that she is running for chair of the Democratic National Committee.

In an open letter to DNC members posted online, Williamson laid out her plan for the party as it seeks to move forward after losing the White House and Senate in November. She urged Democrats to sign a petition to allow her to participate in candidate forums that will be held in January.

DNC members will elect the party's new chair and other officers at its winter meeting Feb. 1. There will also be a series of four forums to allow those running for DNC chair to speak with party members and lay out their vision for the Democratic Party.