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Union Leaders Resign From DNC Following Clash With Chair

Their departures reflect sharp disagreement over party strategy under Ken Martin after both backed his challenger and lost committee posts.

President of the American Federation of Teachers, Randi Weingarten speaks during a rally in front of the Department of Education to protest budget cuts on March 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
Randi Weingarten and Lee Saunders.
Randi Weingarten, president of American Federation of Teachers (AFT), speaks during the National Action Network annual convention in New York City, U.S., April 2, 2025. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper/File Photo
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Overview

  • Randi Weingarten declined reappointment as an at-large DNC member, saying she felt “out of step” with the leadership Ken Martin is forging.
  • Lee Saunders also refused an at-large nomination, arguing the party needs new strategies and renewed focus to fight for working people.
  • Both union chiefs had endorsed Ben Wikler for DNC chair in February and were removed from the Rules and Bylaws Committee by Martin.
  • Their exits come on the heels of David Hogg’s departure as vice chair following his plan to fund primary challenges against incumbent Democrats.
  • The high-profile resignations underscore deepening internal divisions over the party’s direction as Democrats aim to rebuild after 2024 losses.