DNC Chairman Ken Martin: “This Is Not The Democratic Party Of Your Grandfather,” “We’re Bringing A Knife To A Knife Fight”
Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin told CNN host Phil Mattingly that President Donald Trump, Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX), and others should expect a “showdown” over Texas congressional redistricting.
PHIL MATTINGLY, CNN HOST: In our politics lead a short while ago, Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordering the arrest of Democrats who refused to show up for today’s special House session. Texas Republicans are trying to move forward with their redistricting of the state’s congressional map, an effort to bolster Republicans’ prospects of and retaining the control of the House in the 2026 midterms. Joining me now, the chair of the Democratic National Committee, Ken Martin. Mr. Chairman, really appreciate your time. I want to start with the Texas Attorney General, Ken Paxton, vowed to hold Texas Democrats accountable, saying, quote, it’s imperative that they be swiftly arrested, punished and face the full force of law for turning their backs on the people of Texas. What’s your response to that? KEN MARTIN, DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN: Well, what I would say is, you know, Donald Trump, Greg Abbott, Ken Paxton, they said they wanted a showdown. And guess what? That’s exactly what they’re getting, a showdown. This is not the Democratic Party of your grandfather, right, which would bring a pencil to a knife fight. We’re bringing a knife to a knife fight. We’re going to fight fire with fire. And we’re going to do everything we can right now to stand up against this unconstitutional power grab by the Republicans. Make no mistake about it. As Leader Wu said, if you want to come and get them, come and take it. We’re ready.
