By Charles Switzer
3:16pm PDT, Apr 17, 2025
David Hogg Plans to Challenge Incumbent Democratic Officials
David Hogg, Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), is setting aside millions to unseat incumbent Democratic lawmakers.
Hogg, who assumed the role in February, plans to spend $20 million targeting Democrats in primary races. He will use this money to support candidates backed by his grassroots organization, Leaders We Deserve, which aims to elect young progressives to Congress and state legislatures.
The organization’s goal is to defeat the far-right agenda and advance a more progressive vision for the future, but it may not go over as well as the outspoken activist anticipates.
Here’s what’s happening.
MORE: Follow Wonderwall on MSN for more top news
Hogg’s Strategy and the Blowback He Anticipates
David Hogg acknowledged the potential backlash from his decision to challenge fellow Democrats while holding a high-ranking position in the DNC, which traditionally focuses on supporting Democrats over Republicans.
“This is going to anger a lot of people,” he said in a recent interview. Hogg predicted that his actions would lead to “a smear campaign against me” in an attempt to ruin his reputation and stop him from pursuing these efforts.
“People say they want change in the Democratic Party, but really they want change so long as it doesn’t potentially endanger their position of power,” he added.
Internal DNC Tensions and Neutrality Policy
David Hogg’s decision to involve himself directly in primary races is creating a rift within the DNC.
At a private meeting last month, a “neutrality policy” was introduced, urging top party officials to refrain from any actions that could undermine their impartiality.
This policy applied both to their professional roles within the DNC and their personal activities. Everyone signed the policy — except Hogg. His refusal to sign the neutrality pledge has raised questions about his commitment to the party’s broader unity and strategy.
DNC Leadership’s Response to Hogg’s Actions
DNC Chair Ken Martin commented on David Hogg’s efforts, defending the longstanding party position that primary voters, not the national party, should determine the candidates for the general election.
“In order to ensure we are as effective as possible at electing Democrats to office, it is the D.N.C.’s longstanding position that primary voters — not the national party — determine their Democratic candidates for the general election,” Martin said.
He also expressed appreciation for Hogg’s passion and advocacy in his role as DNC Vice Chair, recognizing Hogg’s service to the party both in an official capacity and through his outside efforts.
Criticism from Party Members and Political Observers
Critics within the party have voiced concerns about David Hogg’s actions. Steve Schale, a veteran Democratic strategist, pointed out the challenges the party faces in battleground states, noting that Democrats have lost significant ground in these regions.
“Today, of the 767 counties that make up the 10 battleground states over the last four POTUS cycles, Dems have lost ground in 703,” Schale observed. Similarly, Matt Bennett from Third Way expressed disappointment, noting that Hogg’s behavior showed a failure to transition from activist to a more diplomatic role within the DNC. “This is insane behavior from a DNC official, especially as Trump takes a chainsaw to our democracy,” Bennett said.
