WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a significant shake-up within the Democratic National Committee (DNC), two prominent labor leaders, Randi Weingarten and Lee Saunders, have stepped down from their at-large positions, citing deepening disagreements with the party’s current leadership under Chairman Ken Martin.
Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), and Saunders, president of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), announced their resignations in a joint letter dated June 5. The letter expressed concerns over the DNC’s direction, highlighting a perceived failure to expand inclusivity and adapt strategies to address pressing issues. Both leaders criticized the party for becoming increasingly insular and disconnected from its broader base.
“The Democratic Party must evolve to meet the challenges of our time,” Weingarten wrote, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive and responsive approach to leadership. Saunders echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of embracing diverse perspectives to strengthen the party’s foundation.
Their departures come on the heels of the resignation of DNC Vice Chair David Hogg, a prominent progressive activist and gun control advocate. Hogg stepped down after facing backlash over his plans to influence primaries through his organization, “Leaders We Deserve,” which aimed to support young, progressive candidates challenging incumbent Democrats. This initiative clashed with Chairman Martin’s emphasis on neutrality in primary contests, leading to internal tensions within the DNC.
The controversy surrounding Hogg’s efforts culminated in a DNC vote to redo his election as vice chair, citing procedural issues. In response, Hogg announced he would not seek re-election, citing a “fundamental disagreement” over the role of a vice chair and the party’s strategic direction. He emphasized the need to focus on building a stronger party through his external advocacy work.
Weingarten and Saunders had previously supported Ben Wikler, chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, for the DNC chair position. After Martin’s election victory, Weingarten was removed from the influential Rules and Bylaws Committee, a move that further strained relations between labor leaders and the DNC leadership.
Despite their resignations from the DNC, both Weingarten and Saunders affirmed their commitment to supporting pro-education and pro-labor candidates in the upcoming 2025–26 election cycle. Weingarten, in particular, has been actively involved in organizing efforts, including the “No Kings Day” protests, which aimed to address cuts in public services and education funding.
The departures of these key union leaders underscore ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party as it grapples with internal divisions and debates over its future direction. The resignations also highlight the challenges the party faces in balancing the interests of its diverse constituencies while striving to present a unified front ahead of critical upcoming elections.
As the Democratic Party navigates these internal dynamics, the influence of labor unions and progressive activists remains a pivotal factor in shaping its policies and electoral strategies. The recent resignations signal a call for introspection and potential recalibration within the party’s leadership to address the concerns of its foundational supporters.
