DNC Chairman Calls for Filibuster Abolishment and Statehood for D.C. and Puerto Rico
DNC Chairman Ken Martin has made a strong call for the elimination of the filibuster, suggesting that Democrats should focus on pushing for statehood for Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico if they regain power. This statement came during an interview on Tuesday, where Democrats expressed that labeling the Trump administration as “fascist” should precede any calls for political reform.
During his discussion with former DNC chair Jaime Harrison on the podcast “At Our Table,” Martin asserted that Democrats are, in a sense, upholding the principles of democracy, while accusing Republicans of having strayed from those ideals.
“When we regain power, we need to ensure D.C. becomes a state and that Puerto Rico is exempt from those old filibuster rules,” he emphasized. “When we take charge—and we will take charge—we aren’t going to follow that outdated playbook anymore.”
Martin urged party members to be vigilant, stating that the upcoming elections are crucial. He mentioned, “If you’re not ready to fight with everything at stake, then what’s the point? This ‘fascist government’ could dismantle the things we hold dear for the foreseeable future.” He described the 2026 midterms as the most significant election of our lifetime, a sentiment many might echo, though perhaps it’s common for politicians to frame their next election as the pivotal one.
In his earlier speeches, especially one back in August, Martin voiced his perspective that Trump acts as a “dictator’s chief,” comparing his administration to “fascism in a red tie.” He encouraged a crowd of over 400 Democratic officials, urging them to reclaim the nation from what he described as an “aspiring White House king.”
Having stepped into the role of DNC chair after the challenging loss of former Vice President Kamala Harris to Trump, Martin’s remarks highlight a shift in strategy for the party as they grapple with internal divisions and external pressures.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, it remains uncertain how these calls for action will resonate with voters in the coming years, but the urgency is palpable.
