DNC chair defends equal funding for CNMI Democrats

The chair of the Democratic National Committee has defended the party's decision to provide the Democratic Party of the Northern Mariana Islands with the same monthly financial allocation as state parties in battleground states, arguing that Democrats must invest in every part of the United States, including its territories.

Speaking on the Pod Save America podcast, which was shared on X, DNC chair Ken Martin responded to host Jon Favreau's question about why the CNMI and Guam receive the same reported monthly allocation as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and North Carolina despite not having federal races.

Favreau noted that the DNC's reported $20,000 monthly allocation per state also goes to Guam and the CNMI, and questioned whether that was the best use of resources given reports that the DNC was facing financial pressures. He also referenced an Axios report suggesting the committee was considering layoffs.

Martin rejected that characterization.

"We've never contemplated layoffs at the DNC."

He also criticized the premise of the question, saying, "You're just repeating garbage potshots at the DNC."

On the funding issue, Martin stood by the DNC's approach.

"I think it is a worthwhile allocation, because when we organize everywhere, we can win anywhere."

He said the Democratic Party should not focus solely on winning control of Congress and the presidency.

"My job is to help us win everywhere, to build power up and down the ballot throughout the country, including in our territories."

Martin acknowledged that he and Favreau held different views on the matter, adding, "You and I can just disagree on whether or not those are investments that are worthwhile. I believe they are worthwhile."

Pod Save America is a political podcast produced by Crooked Media and hosted by former aides to President Barack Obama—Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer, and Tommy Vietor.