DNC official plans significant spending to oppose fellow Democrats in unprecedented move
David Hogg, the vice chair of the DNC, is aiming to challenge certain safe incumbents.
TroibNews 
David Hogg, a prominent and often controversial Democratic National Committee vice chair, is making a bold commitment to transform Democratic primaries by financially supporting candidates who will challenge “ineffective, asleep-at-the-wheel” incumbents.
At just 25 years old, Hogg first rose to prominence as a vocal advocate following the tragic Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. His latest initiative could create tensions within his own party, particularly with certain Democratic House members.
On Tuesday, Leaders We Deserve, a group co-founded by Hogg in 2023, announced its intention to invest $20 million in safe-blue Democratic primaries, supporting younger candidates who will confront established House members. Hogg clarified to PMG that the group will steer clear of primary challenges in battleground districts to ensure “I want us to win the majority,” and that age alone would not be the basis for targeting incumbents.
Hogg articulated the need for a shift from the existing “culture of seniority politics,” which he believes has led to rigid criteria for determining who deserves a seat in Congress. He emphasized, “We need people, regardless of their age, that are here to fight.”
This unprecedented approach from a national party officer is likely to provoke strong reactions from established insiders. Traditionally, Democratic Party committees, including the DNC, avoid opposing incumbents, focusing instead on Republican challengers. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, for instance, is specifically designed to support incumbent members through resources, fundraising, and strategic assistance.
Hogg’s strategy arises amid ongoing discussions within the Democratic Party about effectively countering President Donald Trump and identifying the most compelling Democratic messengers against his administration. Key Democratic figures, like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have experienced mounting pressure from party activists to enhance their resistance to Trump.
When asked about the view of DNC Chair Ken Martin on his plan, Hogg acknowledged that Martin “certainly has different views” regarding challenges to incumbents. He stated, “There are disagreements in our party about the right way to approach this moment. There are certainly disagreements we have,” but added, “What I will say about Chair Martin, even if we do have disagreements, he’s doing an excellent job of building and reforming our party.”
In a statement, Martin reiterated that “in order to ensure we are as effective as possible at electing Democrats to office, it is the DNC’s longstanding position that primary voters — not the national party — determine their Democratic candidates for the general election.” He commended Hogg as a “passionate advocate” and expressed gratitude for his contributions “whether it be in his role as a DNC Vice Chair or in an outside capacity.”
A DNC aide, who spoke anonymously to discuss internal dynamics, pointed out that all DNC officers except Hogg signed a “neutrality policy,” which commits them to remain uninvolved in primaries both officially and personally.
The New York Times initially reported Hogg’s decision. Hogg gained recognition as a survivor of the Parkland shooting in 2018 and was elected as a vice chair of the DNC in February, despite opposition from moderates concerned about his history of progressive rhetoric. Though traditional DNC vice chairs typically hold ceremonial positions with limited influence, Hogg is pushing the boundaries of this role and testing the DNC’s tolerance for dissent within its ranks.
Hogg maintains that supporting primary challengers aligns with his original campaign objectives for his DNC appointment. “I am not in this position because I want to bank my political capital. I just want change. I want to see a stronger Democratic Party,” he remarked.
Acknowledging that his plans may upset some party members, he argued that Democrats “are in a crisis right now,” referring to a recent CNN poll indicating the party’s approval rating at just 29 percent, a historic low. “Our base is craving dramatic change,” Hogg stated. “We need to show our base we’re here to fight for them. We need to show there are younger faces stepping up.”
However, he did acknowledge two exceptions: former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who is 85, and Rep. Jan Schakowsky, who is 80, referring to them as “fighters who are delivering.” Nevertheless, both are facing challengers of a younger generation: Saikat Chakrabarti, 39, is running against Pelosi, while YouTube influencer Kat Abughazaleh, 26, is challenging Schakowsky. Hogg confirmed that Leaders We Deserve would not intervene in either of those races.
There are numerous other Democratic candidates across the country presenting themselves as advocates for generational change. Several Democratic operatives, speaking anonymously to discuss private deliberations, expect to see more primary challenges against older members in states including New York, Maryland, and Massachusetts.
Navid Kalantari for TROIB News
At just 25 years old, Hogg first rose to prominence as a vocal advocate following the tragic Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. His latest initiative could create tensions within his own party, particularly with certain Democratic House members.
On Tuesday, Leaders We Deserve, a group co-founded by Hogg in 2023, announced its intention to invest $20 million in safe-blue Democratic primaries, supporting younger candidates who will confront established House members. Hogg clarified to PMG that the group will steer clear of primary challenges in battleground districts to ensure “I want us to win the majority,” and that age alone would not be the basis for targeting incumbents.
Hogg articulated the need for a shift from the existing “culture of seniority politics,” which he believes has led to rigid criteria for determining who deserves a seat in Congress. He emphasized, “We need people, regardless of their age, that are here to fight.”
This unprecedented approach from a national party officer is likely to provoke strong reactions from established insiders. Traditionally, Democratic Party committees, including the DNC, avoid opposing incumbents, focusing instead on Republican challengers. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, for instance, is specifically designed to support incumbent members through resources, fundraising, and strategic assistance.
Hogg’s strategy arises amid ongoing discussions within the Democratic Party about effectively countering President Donald Trump and identifying the most compelling Democratic messengers against his administration. Key Democratic figures, like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have experienced mounting pressure from party activists to enhance their resistance to Trump.
When asked about the view of DNC Chair Ken Martin on his plan, Hogg acknowledged that Martin “certainly has different views” regarding challenges to incumbents. He stated, “There are disagreements in our party about the right way to approach this moment. There are certainly disagreements we have,” but added, “What I will say about Chair Martin, even if we do have disagreements, he’s doing an excellent job of building and reforming our party.”
In a statement, Martin reiterated that “in order to ensure we are as effective as possible at electing Democrats to office, it is the DNC’s longstanding position that primary voters — not the national party — determine their Democratic candidates for the general election.” He commended Hogg as a “passionate advocate” and expressed gratitude for his contributions “whether it be in his role as a DNC Vice Chair or in an outside capacity.”
A DNC aide, who spoke anonymously to discuss internal dynamics, pointed out that all DNC officers except Hogg signed a “neutrality policy,” which commits them to remain uninvolved in primaries both officially and personally.
The New York Times initially reported Hogg’s decision. Hogg gained recognition as a survivor of the Parkland shooting in 2018 and was elected as a vice chair of the DNC in February, despite opposition from moderates concerned about his history of progressive rhetoric. Though traditional DNC vice chairs typically hold ceremonial positions with limited influence, Hogg is pushing the boundaries of this role and testing the DNC’s tolerance for dissent within its ranks.
Hogg maintains that supporting primary challengers aligns with his original campaign objectives for his DNC appointment. “I am not in this position because I want to bank my political capital. I just want change. I want to see a stronger Democratic Party,” he remarked.
Acknowledging that his plans may upset some party members, he argued that Democrats “are in a crisis right now,” referring to a recent CNN poll indicating the party’s approval rating at just 29 percent, a historic low. “Our base is craving dramatic change,” Hogg stated. “We need to show our base we’re here to fight for them. We need to show there are younger faces stepping up.”
However, he did acknowledge two exceptions: former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who is 85, and Rep. Jan Schakowsky, who is 80, referring to them as “fighters who are delivering.” Nevertheless, both are facing challengers of a younger generation: Saikat Chakrabarti, 39, is running against Pelosi, while YouTube influencer Kat Abughazaleh, 26, is challenging Schakowsky. Hogg confirmed that Leaders We Deserve would not intervene in either of those races.
There are numerous other Democratic candidates across the country presenting themselves as advocates for generational change. Several Democratic operatives, speaking anonymously to discuss private deliberations, expect to see more primary challenges against older members in states including New York, Maryland, and Massachusetts.
Navid Kalantari for TROIB News
