December 18, 2025

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has decided not to release its detailed examination of the party's significant losses in the 2024 elections, despite previous assurances of transparency from DNC Chair Ken Martin. This move has sparked debate within the party as it tries to navigate its way forward.
The DNC had conducted an extensive review, involving hundreds of interviews with operatives across the country, aimed at understanding the reasons behind its electoral setbacks. However, the party now seems reluctant to open up about the findings. According to a DNC official who spoke on condition of anonymity, there are fears that releasing the report could lead to public infighting about the party's direction and strategy.
This decision comes amidst some electoral successes for the Democrats, with notable wins in New Jersey and Virginia. The party has chosen to focus on these victories rather than dwell on the 2024 losses which saw Donald Trump return to the White House. Details from the autopsy that were shared with top donors and stakeholders in October hinted at issues with the party’s campaign strategies and technological readiness, but stopped short of a full disclosure.
Key points that have emerged from the partial findings include the need for better voter engagement strategies and modernization of data infrastructure. The report also highlighted the party's failures to connect with young voters and effectively counter Republican messaging on platforms popular among this demographic.
Despite these glimpses into the DNC's introspection, the full contents of the report remain under wraps. This has caused frustration among various party members and external groups who are eager for a complete and transparent analysis to avoid repeating past mistakes.
DNC Chair Ken Martin emphasized that the party's main objective is to learn from its past and focus on winning future elections. "Here’s our North Star: does this help us win? If the answer is no, it’s a distraction from the core mission,” Martin stated, defending the decision to keep the autopsy private.
The refusal to release the full autopsy report marks a significant departure from Martin's earlier promise of openness. His decision has raised concerns about the DNC's commitment to transparency and accountability, especially given the party's ongoing struggles with voter confidence and approval ratings.
As the Democrats gear up for the 2026 midterm elections, the internal debate over the disclosure of the 2024 autopsy report underscores the broader challenges the party faces in uniting its diverse base and crafting a winning strategy in an increasingly polarized political landscape.