David Hogg, a 25-year-old activist and vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, is out of his leadership role following a June 11 vote by DNC members.
JUST IN: The Democratic National Committee just OVERWHELMING voted to remove David Hogg from his position as Vice Chair, 294 to 99
They cited “diversity quotas” for his removal.
DARN. Vice Chair David Hogg is no more pic.twitter.com/a37amW6r3K
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) June 11, 2025
The final tally – 294 to 99 – voided the February election that had placed Hogg and Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta in office.
The move came after a formal complaint alleged the initial vote violated party rules requiring gender balance among vice chairs. Both Hogg and Kenyatta are male.
The DNC’s Credentials Committee agreed in May, and a full membership vote followed.
More Than a Rulebook Fight
While the official reason centered on diversity rules, Hogg’s removal also followed rising tensions with DNC leadership.
His political group, Leaders We Deserve, is preparing to spend $20 million to support young, progressive challengers in Democratic primaries.
DNC Chair Ken Martin viewed this as a conflict.
In a leaked May Zoom call, Martin accused Hogg of undermining the party’s unity and urged him to step down or pledge neutrality. Hogg declined to stop his outside efforts.
That standoff added political weight to what started as a procedural issue.
Hogg Won’t Seek Re-Election
Shortly after the vote, Hogg confirmed he won’t run again.
He cited fundamental disagreements over the role of a vice chair and said the process had become a distraction from more important issues.
He plans to focus fully on his PAC’s mission.
One of his first moves: endorsing Del. Irene Shin in a high-profile Virginia congressional race.
Next Steps for the DNC
The party will hold two elections to fill the vacant roles:
June 12–14: One seat for a male vice chair.
June 15–17: Another seat, open to any gender.
Kenyatta is expected to win the first vote. Candidates for the second include Kalyn Free, whose complaint initiated the process.
Broader Implications
Hogg’s exit shows the friction that can arise when party leaders and rising activists pursue different strategies.
It also reflects how internal rules—especially those tied to diversity goals—can shape outcomes beyond public view.
While some praised Hogg for standing firm, others questioned his priorities.
Either way, his departure opens a new chapter in the DNC’s ongoing effort to balance tradition, reform, and identity politics.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
