Randi Weingarten Leaves The DNC
Randi Weingarten, a long-standing figure in both education and Democratic Party politics, has resigned from the Democratic National Committee (DNC), citing ideological rifts and dissatisfaction with party leadership.
Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), sent a letter to DNC Chair Ken Martin on June 5 declaring her intent to step down. After serving as a DNC member for 23 years and occupying a key role on the Rules and Bylaws Committee since 2009, her departure signals a deeper fracture within the party’s infrastructure. In the letter, she expressed concern that the party’s direction is not inclusive enough, writing, “I do not want to be the one who keeps questioning why we are not enlarging our tent.”
Randi Weingarten is again attempting to rewrite history by claiming she advocated for schools to reopen. The fact is she campaigned to keep schools closed, and was influential in halting the CDC’s plans for reopening. https://t.co/rxYj7wMtpR pic.twitter.com/VyjMszFGcY
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) October 18, 2023
Her announcement follows growing internal disputes, including the controversial ouster of David Hogg, a gun control activist and former DNC vice chair. Hogg, a survivor of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, was reportedly planning to channel resources toward primary challengers targeting underperforming Democratic incumbents. Weingarten had defended Hogg’s right to challenge ineffective representation and was reportedly disheartened by the committee’s decision to remove him.
Here’s Randi Weingarten leading a “No Kings” rally today.
Abolish teachers unions. pic.twitter.com/VFsV59WSpm
— Corey A. DeAngelis, school choice evangelist (@DeAngelisCorey) June 14, 2025
Despite being offered an at-large seat to remain on the committee, Weingarten declined. Her decision underscores an apparent disconnect between progressive activists and the DNC’s current strategic posture. A spokesperson noted her “dismay” that she, a proud Democrat, felt alienated from the leadership’s evolving direction.
🚨🚨Randi Weingarten likened parental rights and school choice advocates to segregationists:
She says the words “choice” and “parental rights” are the same kind of words that were used in reaction to school desegregation by opponents of the Brown v. Board of Education decision. pic.twitter.com/XDvP12pWbU
— Nicki Neily (@nickineily) September 13, 2023
Weingarten assured that the AFT will remain politically active, particularly in support of pro-public education and pro-working family candidates ahead of the 2025–26 election cycle. Still, her resignation from the DNC is a notable blow to the party’s image of unity, especially heading into a high-stakes election season.