Two Democrats Resign from DNC: ‘We Must Evolve’

American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten

American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten, Ben Wikler, chairman of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, Randi Weingarten speaks during the DNC, Lee Saunders, President of the (AFSCME) speaking on stage, Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin speaks to the press, DNC Chair Ken Martin and Wisconsin State Superintendent Jill Underly, Ken Martin speaks during a canvassing event

Randi Weingarten and Lee Saunders have resigned from the Democratic National Committee. They cited dissatisfaction with Chairman Ken Martin’s leadership and lack of community engagement. Both had supported Martin’s rival, Ben Wikler, and declined at-large committee roles.

Ben Wikler, chairman of the Wisconsin Democratic Party

American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten, Ben Wikler, chairman of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, Randi Weingarten speaks during the DNC, Lee Saunders, President of the (AFSCME) speaking on stage, Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin speaks to the press, DNC Chair Ken Martin and Wisconsin State Superintendent Jill Underly, Ken Martin speaks during a canvassing event

Weingarten said, "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."

Randi Weingarten speaks during the DNC

American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten, Ben Wikler, chairman of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, Randi Weingarten speaks during the DNC, Lee Saunders, President of the (AFSCME) speaking on stage, Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin speaks to the press, DNC Chair Ken Martin and Wisconsin State Superintendent Jill Underly, Ken Martin speaks during a canvassing event

Saunders, President of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, stated, "These are new times. They demand new strategies, new thinking, and a renewed way of fighting for the values we hold dear."

Lee Saunders, President of the (AFSCME) speaking on stage

American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten, Ben Wikler, chairman of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, Randi Weingarten speaks during the DNC, Lee Saunders, President of the (AFSCME) speaking on stage, Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin speaks to the press, DNC Chair Ken Martin and Wisconsin State Superintendent Jill Underly, Ken Martin speaks during a canvassing event

Saunders added, "We must evolve to meet the urgency of this moment. This is not a time to close ranks or turn inward."

Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin speaks to the press

American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten, Ben Wikler, chairman of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, Randi Weingarten speaks during the DNC, Lee Saunders, President of the (AFSCME) speaking on stage, Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin speaks to the press, DNC Chair Ken Martin and Wisconsin State Superintendent Jill Underly, Ken Martin speaks during a canvassing event

Weingarten cited a disconnect with Martin’s leadership and lack of inclusiveness. The resignations follow DNC Vice Chair David Hogg’s exit after controversy over his push to primary incumbents, backed by $20 million from his PAC, Leaders We Deserve.

DNC Chair Ken Martin and Wisconsin State Superintendent Jill Underly

American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten, Ben Wikler, chairman of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, Randi Weingarten speaks during the DNC, Lee Saunders, President of the (AFSCME) speaking on stage, Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin speaks to the press, DNC Chair Ken Martin and Wisconsin State Superintendent Jill Underly, Ken Martin speaks during a canvassing event

Martin has called for leadership reform and party unity, pledging DNC neutrality in primaries. Released audio sparked debate after exposing Martin criticizing Hogg for damaging his leadership.

Ken Martin speaks during a canvassing event

American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten, Ben Wikler, chairman of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, Randi Weingarten speaks during the DNC, Lee Saunders, President of the (AFSCME) speaking on stage, Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin speaks to the press, DNC Chair Ken Martin and Wisconsin State Superintendent Jill Underly, Ken Martin speaks during a canvassing event

Martin said, "I don’t think you intended this, but you essentially destroyed any chance I have to show the leadership that I need to. So, it’s really frustrating."

Laura Mitchell covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.

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