Democratic National Committee chair Ken Martin navigates party infighting, leadership vacuum claims, and fundraising challenges while implementing his strategy to help Democrats recover

They expressed frustration over the DNC’s break-up with American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten and AFSCME President Lee Saunders — who between them represent millions of members — as the latest sign of a widening gap between party leadership and the labor movement, a once-core part of the Democratic coalition.

In a discussion moderated by newly-elected Ohio Democratic Party Chair Kathleen Clyde, Martin, said that Ohio will be “critical” to Democratic strategy in 2026, with an open governor’s race, Senate race, and vulnerable Democratic House members Emelia Sykes, Greg Landsman and Marcy Kaptur on the ballot.