David Hogg To Leave DNC After Messy Feud With Democratic Party Leadership

Political activist David Hogg is leaving the Democratic National Committee after announcing he won’t run again for vice chair. 

The DNC ordered new elections for the two vice chair positions that were previously held by Hogg and state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D-Pennsylvania) as a result of a procedural challenge to the election held in February.

DNC rules require equal gender representation on its executive committee, meaning at least one man and one candidate of any gender needed to be selected for the final two vice chair slots. February’s election only held one vote for the two vacancies, invaliding the results according to the party.

Hogg’s decision comes following a public feud with DNC chairman Ken Martin over Hogg choosing to support challenges to Democratic incumbents ahead of midterm elections. Tensions peaked after Hogg was accused of leaking an internal DNC call in which Martin said the party infighting had “essentially destroyed any chance I have to show the leadership that I need to.”

Hogg denied having any involvement in leaking the audio.

Many have speculated that the internal tension between Hogg and the party led to the decision to redo the election.

Hogg announced his decision to forgo the upcoming election in a statement that criticized the Democratic Party.

“I came into this role to play a positive role in creating the change our party needs,” said Hogg. “It is clear that there is a fundamental disagreement about the role of a Vice Chair — and it’s okay to have disagreements. What isn’t okay is allowing this to remain our focus when there is so much more we need to be focused on.

“Ultimately, I have decided to not run in this upcoming election so the party can focus on what really matters.”

In spite of their contentious public feud, Martin praised Hogg’s work for the DNC following the announcement.

“I commend David for his years of activism, organizing, and fighting for his generation, and 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,” said Martin.

Kenyatta announced he would be running for vice chair once again, saying he was looking forward to “making my case to DNC members and our party as a whole.”

“We need a strong Democratic Party, and I hope we come out of this stronger and focused on the work ahead,” added Kenyatta, who is fully expected to win back his vice chair position.

Hogg said he would continue his work with Leaders We Deserve, a group co-founded by Hogg that is committed to supporting campaign efforts for young progressives in American politics, claiming his goal remains to “build the strongest party possible.”