NATIONAL — On Friday, Feb. 6, Democratic National Committee Chair (DNC) Ken Martin traveled from Washington D.C. to Kansas City, Mo., where he met apprentices and participated in a round table conversation between union members, elected officials and veterans at Plumbers Local 8.
Martin was elected as DNC — an organization founded in 1848 with the intention to support and elect democratic candidates nationwide, according to its website — chair in February 2025 after previously serving a 14-year term as the chairman of Minnesota Democratic Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party, president of the Association of State Democratic Committees and vice chair of the DNC. His focal areas since his election have included strengthening the democratic brand among working class voters with his “Build to Win,” “Build to Expand” and “Build to Last” initiatives, organizing everywhere and rebuilding infrastructure in red states, according to his website.
Martin shared that he is a card-carrying union member — having family rooted in the Carpenters union — and considers himself to be a labor progressive.
“I’m proud to be here in the labor hall; it warms my soul to be around brothers and sisters,” he said on Feb. 6.
After he met with Plumbers Local 8 apprentices and thanked them for their service — emphasizing the importance of skilled trades professions — Martin sat down with local union members, including Plumbers Local 8 Business Manager Matt Harris, elected officials: 6th District Kansas City, Mo., Councilman Jonathan Duncan, Kansas State House District 46 Representative Brooklynne Mosley and veterans from Kansas and Missouri to discuss the Democratic Party and current national concerns among participants.
Concerns voiced from the panel included veterans rights, affordable housing and livable wages. Additionally, panelists shared frustrations, particularly in Missouri, of the legislature overturning progressive ballot measures, which were previously passed by voters.
“Rents continue to increase, wages don’t; we need housing security,” Duncan said. “Who are we fighting for? You shouldn’t have to fight a war for health care, social security and housing.”
Harris continued by sharing that he believes a majority of Americans would love to unionize but there are legislative barriers, which make it difficult and unfavorable for many.
While Martin shared that he is not able to direct elected officials in his role, he does have a platform to hold them accountable, emphasizing that he is open to feedback and welcomes all.
Julia Williams — a Kansas City native — is a reporter and digital producer for The Labor Beacon. A University of Missouri School of Journalism alumna, she previously served as the editor-in-chief of The Northeast News before joining The Labor Beacon staff.
Williams’s grandfather was a Claycomo Ford Motor Company retiree and avid UAW Local 249 supporter, allowing her to understand the union difference from a young age.
In her free time, Williams enjoys spending time with her family, traveling to see her friends and hanging out at home with her cat, Greta. She loves a good cup of coffee, seeing local, live music and shopping secondhand. With a passion for storytelling, she hopes to bring her knowledge of journalistic integrity to the Kansas City union community — giving union and labor workers a voice, while holding people in powerful positions accountable.
