This Week in Politics

Democratic National Committee Chair Election

Following the 2024 elections, in which Democrats incurred weighty disappointments, the Democratic Party faced a task of rebuilding bridges with the American electorate. The first step ahead was to elect a new leader to organise the opposition to President Trump and strengthen infra-party infrastructure. In a vote of confidence, Ken Martin secured an outright majority of delegates alongside a comfortable margin of victory. He enters the office with a longstanding background as Chair of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party and strong connections within the party apparatus, being a leading reason for his election.

During the campaign the main front-runners largely agreed on what needed to be done moving forward; ensure strong finances to be able to contest state and territory elections, strengthen the organisation to create a more prevalent relationship with voters, and understand why Democrats lost in 2024. Candidates also noted the significant underperformance among certain demographic groups that have long supported Democrats yet acted for Donald J. Trump this election cycle.

"[W]hat we need to do right now is really start to get a handle around what happened last election cycle. We know that we lost ground with Latino voters, we know we lost ground with women and younger voters and of course working-class voters. We don't know the how and why yet," Ken Martin stated.

The other main candidate, Ben Wilker, enjoyed strong support from congressional Democrats, however, he could not match the support of Mr Martin within the Democratic Party's organisational structure. His endorsements included those of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. Moreover, famed governors Andy Beshear of Kentucky, Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan and Laura Kelly of Kansas endorsed Mr Wilker. Leading unions also showcased their support. On the other side, Mr Martin secured Vice Presidential nominee and Governor Tim Walz's endorsement alongside Representative James Clyburn's, which helped former President Joe Biden during his 2020 bid.

Mr Martin now stands to the task of organising the Democratic Party's structure, strengthening it to prepare for coming elections. His and the Democrats' success in doing so will help define their performance in 2026, 2028 and onward.

“The fight right now is against Donald Trump and the billionaires who bought this country,” DNC Chair Ken Martin stated following his election.

Sweden to Tighten Gun Laws

Following the horrific mass shooting in Örebro at Campus Risbergska (a school), killing 11 people, the Swedish government announced intentions to tighten vetting processes and prevent some semi-automatic weapons from being available. The government hopes this will act as a "preventative measure." 

"In light of the horrible shooting in Örebro earlier this week we believe that the right balance is to roll back the regulation and prohibit that kind of weapon," Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer said.

Moreover, the attack has raised questions about school safety. Schools are semi-public spaces. There are no particular controls on who is allowed in and out.

Senate Confirmations

During the week Pam Bondi was confirmed as the next Attorney General, managing 54-46 in the Senate. All Republicans supported her bid, while Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania was the only Democrat to vote for her confirmation. Announcing her nomination President Trump vowed that Attorney General Bondi would end the "weaponization" of the Justice Department, something both former President Biden and Democrats have denied. Ms Bondi has priorly served as the Attorney General of Florida for over 8 years, while also having been hired by the first Trump Administration during the impeachment trials.

Otherwise, both John F. Kennedy and Tulsi Gabbard, viewed as controversial figures, advanced their nomination processes to the final hurdle - Senate confirmation. Mr Kennedy aims to become Health Secretary. However, he's faced vehement opposition, mostly from Democrats, for his vaccine skepticism. Throughout the hearing Mr Kennedy was challenged, inciting that he was not a skeptic but rather an advocate for more stringent safety procedures. 

“Can I trust that that is now in the past? Can data and information change your opinion, or will you only look for data supporting a predetermined conclusion?” Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a physician, and chair of the relevant committee to move along Mr Kennedy's nomination asked during the hearings.

Mr Kennedy advanced his nomination through the Senate Finance Committee 14-13, senators split across party lines. Senator Cassidy cast the vital vote, he said that Mr Kennedy and the White House had given him "serious commitments" regarding their intentions.

Moreover, Tulsi Gabbard advanced her nomination to become Director of National Intelligence. During hearings she was pressed over her meeting and defence of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in 2017, a previous push for a pardon of whistleblower Edward Snowden, and defence of the Russian invasion of Ukraine at the beginning of the war. Initially, skeptical Republicans decided to support her. The Senate Intelligence Committee voted 9-8 along party lines to advance her bid, she now faces the entire Senate.