Union Giant Weingarten Abandons DNC, Signals Deep Party Division

Paul Riverbank, 6/16/2025Major teachers' union leader quits Democratic National Committee, highlighting growing internal party tensions.

Let me put this in perspective. Weingarten isn't just any committee member; she's the president of the American Federation of Teachers, representing 1.8 million educators. When someone with that kind of clout walks away, citing concerns about the party's direction, it deserves our attention.

Her June 5 letter to DNC Chair Ken Martin was diplomatic but pointed. "While I am proud to be a Democrat," she wrote, "I appear to be out of step with the leadership you are forging." Having covered similar party tensions in the past, I can tell you – this kind of public break is rare, especially from someone of Weingarten's stature.

The timing here matters. This follows the controversial removal of David Hogg, a gun control activist and former DNC vice chair. Hogg's ouster came after word got out about his plans to fund primary challenges against incumbent Democrats – the kind of internal party conflict that typically stays behind closed doors.

I've seen my share of party squabbles over the years, but this feels different. Weingarten's been deeply embedded in the DNC's machinery since 2009, serving on the rules and bylaws committee. She's been a convention delegate since '92. You don't walk away from that kind of institutional involvement without serious cause.

Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota tried to downplay the situation at a recent Center for American Progress event. "I certainly wished we wouldn't have dirty laundry in public," he said, "but you know the personalities, things happen." In my experience, that's political speak for "this is worse than we're letting on."

The silence from the DNC leadership is telling. No official response to Weingarten's resignation yet – unusual for an organization that typically manages its messaging carefully. They're likely scrambling to prevent this from snowballing into a larger crisis, especially with labor relations at stake.

What's particularly striking to me is the timing. With crucial election cycles approaching, the DNC needs unity more than ever. Instead, they're dealing with high-profile departures and public disagreements about the party's direction. It's the kind of internal strife that could have serious implications for Democratic organizing efforts going forward.

Trust me on this – when someone like Weingarten says she's concerned about "enlarging our tent," it's more than just rhetoric. It's a fundamental challenge to the party's current strategy. And based on what I'm hearing from my sources, she's not alone in these concerns.

The Democratic National Committee is facing what might be its most significant internal shake-up in recent memory. I've watched Randi Weingarten's influence in Democratic politics for over two decades, and her departure from the DNC after 23 years isn't just another resignation – it's a warning sign that shouldn't be ignored.Let me put this in perspective. Weingarten isn't just any committee member; she's the president of the American Federation of Teachers, representing 1.8 million educators. When someone with that kind of clout walks away, citing concerns about the party's direction, it deserves our attention.Her June 5 letter to DNC Chair Ken Martin was diplomatic but pointed. "While I am proud to be a Democrat," she wrote, "I appear to be out of step with the leadership you are forging." Having covered similar party tensions in the past, I can tell you – this kind of public break is rare, especially from someone of Weingarten's stature.The timing here matters. This follows the controversial removal of David Hogg, a gun control activist and former DNC vice chair. Hogg's ouster came after word got out about his plans to fund primary challenges against incumbent Democrats – the kind of internal party conflict that typically stays behind closed doors.I've seen my share of party squabbles over the years, but this feels different. Weingarten's been deeply embedded in the DNC's machinery since 2009, serving on the rules and bylaws committee. She's been a convention delegate since '92. You don't walk away from that kind of institutional involvement without serious cause.Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota tried to downplay the situation at a recent Center for American Progress event. "I certainly wished we wouldn't have dirty laundry in public," he said, "but you know the personalities, things happen." In my experience, that's political speak for "this is worse than we're letting on."The silence from the DNC leadership is telling. No official response to Weingarten's resignation yet – unusual for an organization that typically manages its messaging carefully. They're likely scrambling to prevent this from snowballing into a larger crisis, especially with labor relations at stake.What's particularly striking to me is the timing. With crucial election cycles approaching, the DNC needs unity more than ever. Instead, they're dealing with high-profile departures and public disagreements about the party's direction. It's the kind of internal strife that could have serious implications for Democratic organizing efforts going forward.Trust me on this – when someone like Weingarten says she's concerned about "enlarging our tent," it's more than just rhetoric. It's a fundamental challenge to the party's current strategy. And based on what I'm hearing from my sources, she's not alone in these concerns.