The Democratic National Committee (DNC) officially booted 25-year-old David Hogg from his vice chair position on Wednesday after his attempts to primary certain Democrats in Congress.
In May, the DNC moved to void Hogg from his position following his announcement to spend millions to help unseat select Democrat members in the 2026 primaries. Results from a virtual vote, first obtained by Politico, showed Hogg had been removed and will be required to run again for his position next week.
Hogg had revealed plans to spend an estimated $20 million from DNC funds to boost younger Democrat leaders and challenge sitting party House officials.
While it was initially unclear which members he wanted to primary, the group told The Washington Post in April that it would target Democrats in reliably blue districts and avoid those facing tough GOP reelections.
Soon after, DNC members and other Democrats began criticizing Hogg’s decision. The backlash led the DNC to vote to void the results of Hogg’s election and bring the matter before all DNC members, calling for a new election.
On Sunday, leaked audio revealed that DNC’s Chair Ken Martin had told party leaders during a private discussion that he had been unsure about Hogg’s ability to lead the party due to the infighting his decisions had created, according to Politico.
“I’ll be very honest with you, for the first time in my 100 days on this job … the other night I said to myself for the first time, I don’t know if I wanna do this anymore,” Martin said during a May 15 Zoom meeting.
During the call, Martin, confirmed as the DNC’s new leader in February, expressed uncertainty about continuing to lead the group.
The DNC chair also voiced frustration over the backlash sparked by Hogg, directly addressing the former vice chair and saying he “essentially destroyed” his chance to demonstrate leadership, Politico reported.
“No one knows who the hell I am, right? I’m trying to get my sea legs underneath of me and actually develop any amount of credibility so I can go out there and raise the money and do the job I need to to put ourselves in a position to win,” Martin told Hogg.
“And, again, I don’t think you intended this, but you essentially destroyed any chance I have to show the leadership that I need to. So it’s really frustrating,” Martin added.
The DNC will now hold a new election for the first male vice chair from June 12 to June 14, with a second vote for the additional vice chair from June 15 to June 17.
Hogg has yet to release a public statement on the DNC’s decision but reposted Nevada DNC Committeewoman Samantha Crunkilton’s endorsement for his reelection.
“Unfortunately, the report was approved. I’m excited and proud to endorse and vote for my friend, @davidhogg111, for DNC Vice Chair!” Crunkilton wrote.
“He is pushing our party to be better and doing the hard work it takes to save our democracy. I hope my fellow DNC members will join me in this vote,” Crunkilton added.
