Overview
- Ken Martin released the nearly 200‑page draft on Thursday, May 21, 2026, apologized for withholding it and said the report “does not meet my standards” while publishing it unedited.
- CNN first published the document and the DNC then posted the draft with a bold disclaimer stating the analysis reflects the author’s views and that underlying sourcing and interview transcripts were not provided.
- The draft is error‑filled and incomplete, lacking an executive summary and conclusion, and contains DNC annotations that flag factual mistakes and unsupported claims.
- On substance the autopsy blames the national campaign and the Biden White House for failing to define or build up Vice President Kamala Harris, criticizes overreliance on identity messaging and underinvestment in state parties, and praises some state Senate strategies such as those used by Elissa Slotkin, Ruben Gallego, and Jacky Rosen.
- The release ends months of pressure from donors, activists and Harris supporters but it also deepens scrutiny of Martin’s stewardship and could force quick shifts in how Democrats fund state operations and frame messages ahead of the midterms.