(Substack)—Randi Weingarten, a prominent figure in Democratic politics and president of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), has stepped down from her role on the Democratic National Committee (DNC). Her resignation, announced in a letter dated June 5, 2025, comes amid tensions with the DNC’s new chairman, Ken Martin, highlighting growing divisions within the Democratic Party.
Weingarten, who leads a union of 1.8 million members, had served on the DNC since 2002 and its influential Rules and Bylaws Committee since 2009. This committee plays a key role in shaping the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination process. However, her support for Ben Wikler, Martin’s rival in the DNC chairmanship race earlier this year, led to her removal from the Rules and Bylaws Committee by Martin.
In her resignation letter, Weingarten declined Martin’s offer to remain on the broader DNC, stating, “While I am proud to be a Democrat, I appear to be out of step with the leadership you are forging, and I do not want to be the one who keeps questioning why we are not enlarging our tent and actively trying to engage more and more of our communities.”
Weingarten’s exit underscores the internal chaos within the Democratic Party, which appears to be struggling to unify its base. Her resignation suggests that even prominent figures like Weingarten, a longtime Democratic ally, feel sidelined by leadership decisions that prioritize control over inclusivity.
Conservatives argue that this kind of infighting weakens the Democrats’ ability to present a cohesive front, especially as they face a resurgent Republican Party focused on expanding its own voter base.
The Democrat Party’s turmoil doesn’t end with Weingarten. Ken Martin’s leadership has faced criticism from within, notably from David Hogg, a DNC vice chairman who recently challenged Martin by announcing plans to fund primary challenges against sitting Democrats—a move considered highly unusual for party officials.
Weingarten had supported Hogg’s efforts, saying it was necessary to “ruffle some feathers.” However, Hogg’s actions backfired, as the party voted to redo the vice chair election due to a technicality, prompting Hogg to announce he would not seek to retain his post.
Adding to the drama, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a Martin ally, expressed frustration with the public disputes during an appearance at the Center for American Progress on Friday.
“I certainly wished we wouldn’t have dirty laundry in public, but you know the personalities, things happen,” Walz said. Despite the conflicts, he maintained confidence in Martin, adding, “I don’t think Ken’s focus has shifted one bit on this of expanding the party.”
This public squabbling is evidence of a Democrat Party in disarray, unable to reconcile its progressive and moderate factions. The removal of influential figures like Weingarten and the backlash against Hogg’s aggressive tactics suggest a leadership that is more focused on consolidating power than building a broad coalition. This internal dysfunction could provide an opening for Republicans to capitalize on voter frustration with a divided and disorganized opposition.
As the Democrat Party grapples with these challenges, Weingarten’s resignation serves as a warning sign that even its most loyal supporters are questioning its direction. For conservatives, this is a moment to highlight the contrast with a Republican Party that, under unified leadership, is working to expand its appeal to working-class and minority voters. The Democrats’ loss of a key figure like Weingarten may further weaken their position as they head into future elections.
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