In a swift reversal, Democratic leadership has voided the February election of David Hogg as vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, removing the 25-year-old gun control activist just 130 days after his historic win.
The DNC cited procedural concerns and internal unrest, voting 294 to 99 in a virtual session Wednesday to oust Hogg, despite previously standing by the vote as “conducted fairly, transparently, and in alignment with the rules.”
The move follows weeks of internal friction and public drama, capped by Hogg’s decision not to contest the position again.
‘I’m Not Running Again’
Rather than endure further humiliation, Hogg took matters into his own hands Wednesday, announcing on social media that he would not seek reelection to the post.
“I started Leaders We Deserve for a simple purpose: to be the Emily’s List for progressive young Democrats,” Hogg wrote in a lengthy X thread.
The organization, Leaders We Deserve, works to elect left-leaning Gen Z candidates to Congress and statehouses. But Hogg’s blunt critiques of the Democratic establishment, especially those aging incumbents he sees as “asleep at the wheel” have made him a lightning rod inside party circles.
After seeing a serious lack of vision from Democratic leaders… it became clear that Leaders We Deserve had to start primarying incumbents and directly challenging the culture of seniority politics, he explained.
No Room for Dissent?
Hogg’s recent candid remarks to an undercover Project Veritas reporter likely added fuel to the fire.
In the covertly recorded footage, Hogg appeared to criticize former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for “alleged insider trading” and claimed Anthony Bernal, Jill Biden’s former chief of staff, wielded “an enormous amount of power” inside the White House, just as the administration faces scrutiny over its handling of executive authority in its final days.
While the party has not cited the video as a reason for his ouster, it painted an unflattering picture of internal disunity just months before a pivotal election cycle.
DNC Chair Praises Hogg—Even as He Exits
Despite tensions, DNC Chair Ken Martin issued a public statement of support after Hogg stepped aside:
“I commend David for his years of activism, organizing, and fighting for his generation. While I continue to believe he is a powerful voice for this party, I respect his decision to step back from his post as vice chair. I have no doubt that he will remain an important advocate for Democrats across the map. I appreciate his service as an officer, his hard work, and his dedication to the party.”
Sources say Martin had sharply reprimanded Hogg in recent days.
Diversity Fight Resurfaces as Kalyn Free Reenters the Ring
The original challenger to Hogg’s election, Kalyn Free, is reportedly making another bid for the vice chair role. A Native American activist and party veteran, Free previously accused the DNC of violating its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies by failing to elect a more “representative” leadership team.
Though unsuccessful in February, she may now have a clearer path with Hogg out of the race.
Internal Civil War—or Growing Pains?
Behind the scenes, the DNC appears caught in a tug-of-war between old guard pragmatists and the ascendant progressive youth movement. Hogg, once seen as a bridge between the two, ultimately found himself alienated by both.
In his parting thread, he issued a stark warning:
“We lost voting share with almost every demographic across the board, and despite all that Trump has done, our approvals remain at 27%. If we don’t show our country how we are dramatically changing… we will continue to lose.”
While he emphasized he had hoped to play a “positive role,” Hogg admitted, “there is fundamental disagreement about the role.”
What Comes Next?
New elections begin Thursday, with Democrats scrambling to stabilize the party’s leadership and message heading into 2026. Whether Hogg continues to publicly criticize the DNC or retreats to behind-the-scenes organizing, remains to be seen.
But one thing is clear: the generational and ideological divides inside the Democratic Party are no longer simmering beneath the surface. They’re now center stage.
