Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) has thrown his full support behind gun control activist David Hogg for vice chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), arguing that Hogg is exactly the type of leader the party needs after its crushing defeat in the 2024 election.

“David Hogg represents exactly the kind of bold, dynamic, and courageous leadership the Democratic Party needs right now,” Walz said. He highlighted Hogg’s ability to connect with voters and energize the party. Walz, who campaigned alongside Hogg throughout the country during his own failed presidential bid, believes the young activist’s leadership could breathe new life into the Democratic Party.

“This is exactly what we need right now: experienced, thoughtful, and energized leadership that meets people where they are and takes bold action to win,” Walz added, dismissing criticism that his endorsement shows he hasn’t learned from his election loss.

David Hogg represents exactly the kind of bold, dynamic, and courageous leadership our party needs right now. He has a unique ability to connect with the American people and to speak to the strengths of our party.

I couldn’t be happier to support him for DNC Vice Chair. pic.twitter.com/sHlX2fmUmD

— Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) January 10, 2025

Tim Walz just endorsed David Hogg for DNC Vice Chair.

How much testosterone is in this picture? pic.twitter.com/9d0lVbxGCo

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) January 10, 2025

Hogg, 24, rose to national prominence after surviving the 2018 Parkland school shooting and co-founding the gun control group March for Our Lives. His political activism has made him a polarizing figure, but Walz sees his outspokenness as a strength.

David Hogg is a complete moron and a fraud.

— Real Defender🇺🇸 (@real_defender) January 10, 2025

David Hogg spammed the Harris campaign with so many messages to pick Tim Walz as her running mate, that they had to tell him to stop and block his number.

They still did what he wanted and it likely cost her the election, so this is an endorsement I can get behind. https://t.co/QSsqKZsNlr

— Stephen L. Miller (@redsteeze) January 10, 2025

Hogg was quick to express his appreciation for Walz’s endorsement. “Ever since the shooting at my high school, he’s been a champion for the gun violence prevention movement—exemplifying leadership that listens, takes action, and works tirelessly to better our lives,” Hogg said. He also praised Walz as “a good, decent man” and an asset to the Democratic Party.

Pictured: Tim Walz and David Hogg https://t.co/lUSzgPKVsF pic.twitter.com/ojqU25yS8U

— Phil Jenkins (@SushiComplaints) January 10, 2025

Does David Hogg know that Timmy Walz is friends with school shooters?pic.twitter.com/w3VSUQ5tgY

— Clyp Keeper (@DGrayTexas45) January 10, 2025

Walz’s backing comes after he also endorsed Minnesota Democratic Party Chair Ken Martin for DNC chair, signaling his continued influence in shaping the party’s future leadership.

Tim Walz is who JD Vance wants you to think JD Vance is.

pic.twitter.com/KOJ3mrDZm2

— David Hogg 🟧 (@davidhogg111) August 6, 2024

Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-FL) has also voiced his support for Hogg, showing a growing wave of younger Democrats rallying behind his candidacy.