Union leaders depart DNC in latest blow to Democratic Party leadership

Two prominent union leaders have made the decision to depart from the Democratic National Committee (DNC), further intensifying the internal conflict within the party that was initially sparked by former vice chair David Hogg. Randi Weingarten, the president of the American Federation of Teachers, and Lee Saunders, the president of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, declined offers to remain as at-large members of the DNC, according to a report by The New York Times.

In a letter addressed to DNC Chair Ken Martin, Weingarten expressed that she felt out of step with the leadership being forged within the party. She emphasized her desire to see the party expand its reach and actively engage with a broader range of communities. Weingarten, a prominent figure in education leadership and Democratic politics, has been a longstanding voice within the party.

The departure of these union labor leaders deals a significant blow to Chair Ken Martin, who had recently managed to put his David Hogg problem behind him. Hogg, a 25-year-old progressive activist, had announced that he would not seek re-election for vice chair after causing internal divisions with his plan to primary challenge older incumbent Democrats through his political action group, Leaders We Deserve, which had a budget of $20 million.

The Democratic Party has been facing a leadership vacuum, with many criticizing Martin for his perceived weakness and ineffectiveness. A former DNC official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, described Martin as a weak leader who is not prepared to address the challenges facing the party.

The decision of Weingarten and Saunders to step down from the DNC was not surprising to some, given that they had both supported a different candidate in the race for DNC chair, Ben Wikler. Following Martin’s victory in the chair race, Weingarten was removed from the DNC’s Rules and Bylaws Committee, a key group responsible for shaping the party’s election processes.

Despite the internal turmoil, sources close to the DNC expressed confidence that the party would come together to focus on defeating Republicans in upcoming elections. They emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration among Democrats to address the threats posed by the GOP.

Hogg’s departure from the DNC came after leaked audio from a Zoom meeting revealed Martin expressing frustration over the fallout caused by Hogg’s actions. Martin highlighted the challenges he faced in demonstrating his leadership abilities in the midst of internal conflicts within the party.

In response to the ongoing drama, members of the DNC voted to hold a re-election for two vice chair positions, previously held by Hogg and DNC Vice Chair Malcolm Kenyatta. The party seemed determined to move past the Hogg controversy and focus on its goals moving forward.

The departure of Weingarten and Saunders marks another chapter in the ongoing internal struggles within the Democratic Party following its losses in the 2024 elections. As the party navigates these challenges, it remains to be seen how it will address the divisions and work towards a unified vision for the future.

Deirdre Heavey is a politics writer for Fox News Digital.