The two-time presidential candidate — and Oprah Winfrey’s former spiritual adviser — is running for Democratic National Committee chair.

Ms. Williamson, 72, most likely faces long odds in her bid for party chair. A number of party officials, including the former Maryland governor Martin O’Malley, are jostling for the job. The current chair, Jaime Harrison, is not seeking re-election. Ms. Williamson is the first woman to formally enter the race.

Former Democratic presidential candidate and author Marianne Williamson launched a bid to become chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee on Thursday, joining a crowded field of candidates attempting to “make things right” for the party after its election losses last month.