Scoop: Gallego rallies donors to back embattled DNC chair

Alex Thompson

Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego, with a couple of men in the background. — Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego (D) outside the Senate chamber. Photo: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego gave a boost to embattled Democratic National Committee chair Ken Martin on Friday at a private fundraiser in Salt Lake City, people familiar with the senator's remarks told Axios.

Why it matters: Gallego, a potential 2028 presidential contender, praised Martin at a time when many Democrats are worried about Martin's leadership — and as others eyeing the White House have spurned requests to give more help to the DNC.

What they're saying: "Thank you for your leadership," Gallego told Martin while speaking at the DNC's biannual National Finance Committee retreat with some of the party's biggest donors.

"Thank you for your belief in this party at a moment when a lot of people are tempted to get discouraged," Gallego said.

Gallego also praised the DNC's new "When We Count" program to register new voters in key districts.

"It reflects a lesson a lot of us have learned the hard way: You cannot parachute into communities two months before an election and expect to win," Gallego said. "That is what chair Martin understands."
Two other potential 2028 presidential candidates, Sens. Mark Kelly of Arizona and Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, also attended the retreat to help rally donors to the DNC.

Between the lines: The fundraising effort comes as the DNC faces large financial challenges.

The committee has more than $17 million in debt and about $15 million on hand.
Many big donors have stayed on the sidelines during the past year, citing disappointment with the 2024 election results and being underwhelmed by Martin's first year as chair.

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Scoop: Gallego rallies donors to back embattled DNC chair

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