Overview

• Randi Weingarten declined reappointment in a June 5 letter, saying she was “out of step” with Ken Martin’s leadership and unwilling to keep questioning the party’s outreach strategy
• Lee Saunders also refused an at-large committee seat, arguing that the DNC needs new strategies and a renewed focus on defending workers’ rights
• Both union presidents had backed challenger Ben Wikler for DNC chair and were removed from the powerful Rules and Bylaws Committee after Martin took office
• Their departures follow former Vice Chair David Hogg’s exit over his plan to fund primary challenges against incumbent Democrats, underscoring escalating internal divisions
• These high-profile resignations intensify debates over how the DNC should reshape its message and strategy to rebuild after 2024 losses and counter President Donald Trump