Scoop: DNC touts record fundraising under Ken Martin
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The Democratic National Committee is touting a record $40 million raised in the first four months of Ken Martin's chairmanship — more than any other chair in that time frame.
Why it matters: The news comes amid growing infighting and frustration from committee members, and after the New York Times reported the DNC's fundraising from major donors has dangerously dropped off.
- "Powered by our grassroots community, the DNC has just set a new record for most money raised in the first four months under a new Chair — ever," Martin said in a statement, first provided to Axios.
Zoom in: The nearly $40 million raised from February through May surpasses the $37 million raised under Jamie Harrison's leadership in those same months in 2021, according to the DNC.
- It is also almost twice as much as was raised in the months after the 2016 election, the first time Donald Trump was elected president.
- Grassroots fundraising has been a big factor, with record grassroots fundraising for February and March.
What he's saying: "This is only the start, but it's a record-setting start that allows Democrats to meaningfully invest in every part of the country," Martin said in the statement.
- "Our grassroots donors are sending a message to Donald Trump and rubber-stamp Republicans who are trying to steal health care from working people in exchange for billionaire tax handouts," he continued.
Zoom out: The DNC has struggled to show a united front after former DNC Vice Chair David Hogg stirred up controversy with an effort to back younger primary challengers to Democratic incumbents.
- It outraged some Democrats, and Hogg ultimately left his party position earlier this month.
- Not long after, two influential labor union leaders also quit their posts at the DNC.
