House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries is standing by Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin despite mounting calls for his resignation amid reports of financial struggles, internal turmoil, and concerns about his leadership ahead of November's midterm elections, the New York Post reported

Pressure on Martin has intensified following a report in The New York Times that the DNC has struggled financially, taken on a record $15 million off-year loan backed by its Washington headquarters and other assets, and has fallen behind the Republican National Committee in cash on hand.

The RNC ended June with $128.5 million available and no debt, while the DNC reported $16.3 million in cash and $18.5 million in debts and loans.

Martin has also come under scrutiny over reports that he angrily threw his cellphone onto a staffer's desk during a meeting this month, prompting a human resource complaint.

The latest issues have fueled growing calls within Democratic circles for Martin to step aside.

Several Democratic lawmakers, strategists and party activists have publicly questioned his leadership in recent months, citing fundraising concerns and his handling of the Democratic Party's post-2024 election review, according to The Guardian.

One of the Democrats calling on Martin to step down is California Rep. Sam Liccardo, who wrote on X that "Ken Martin must resign. As Democrats, we have become too captured by failing strategies. We must fail forward, and pivot. The urgency of this moment will not reward — and our children will not forgive — torpidity."

Despite the criticism, Jeffries has not joined those urging Martin to resign.

According to reports, Martin recently met with Jeffries and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and received assurances that neither leader was seeking to remove him from his post, according to the New York Post.

Jeffries told reporters while campaigning in Pennsylvania that "the chairman has my full support," NOTUS reported. “We look forward to our continued partnership.” 

Martin has defended his record, arguing that the DNC has raised more money during the current cycle than any Democratic National Committee operating outside the White House at the same point in an election cycle.

He said the committee raised nearly $155 million through June, though party officials acknowledge the organization has relied on borrowing to finance operations.

Questions surrounding Martin's leadership predate the latest financial reports. Earlier this year, he faced bipartisan criticism within the Democratic Party after delaying the release of an internal review of Vice President Kamala Harris' 2024 presidential election loss.

When the report was eventually released, critics argued it was incomplete and failed to address key issues surrounding the campaign.

The issue comes as Democrats prepare for a fiercely contested midterm election in which control of Congress will again be at stake.

Party leaders have emphasized the importance of rebuilding donor confidence and strengthening the national party's fundraising operation as Republicans continue to hold a sizable financial advantage.