The Democratic National Committee voted 294-99 to invalidate the elections of vice chairs David Hogg and Malcolm Kenyatta, sending the gun control activist packing amid controversy over his pledge to challenge established Democrats.

At a Glance

• The DNC overwhelmingly voted to hold new elections for two vice chair positions, invalidating the results that seated David Hogg and Malcolm Kenyatta
• 75% of DNC members supported the re-election resolution, following a challenge that claimed the election violated gender parity rules
• Hogg announced he won’t seek re-election after facing backlash for his controversial $20 million pledge to primary established Democrats
• DNC Chair Ken Martin expressed frustration that Hogg’s actions “destroyed any chance” for him to show leadership
• New elections scheduled for June 12-17 will determine who fills the vice chair positions

Gender Parity Challenge Forces Election Redo

The Democratic National Committee has voted decisively to invalidate the elections of two vice chairs, with 75% of voting members supporting a resolution to hold new elections. The challenge came from Kalyn Free, a Democratic Party representative from Oklahoma, who argued that the election structure for vice chairs David Hogg and Pennsylvania State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta violated party rules on gender representation. Free claimed the ballot structure made it “mathematically impossible” for a woman to win one of the positions.

The DNC’s bylaws require gender parity in leadership positions, with specific provisions that while the first vice chair slot must be male, the second can be filled by a candidate of any gender. The committee’s overwhelming 294-99 vote reflects concerns about procedural fairness in the original February elections, where candidates were lumped together on a joint ballot for two open positions.

“The DNC will immediately move to administer new ballots for the final two Vice Chair positions, one of which must be held by a male and one of which may be held by a candidate of any gender”, said Nina Raneses.

Hogg Steps Aside Amid Controversy

David Hogg, who rose to prominence as a gun control advocate after surviving the 2018 Parkland school shooting, announced he will not seek re-election in the upcoming vote. His decision follows significant backlash over his controversial pledge to raise $20 million to challenge established Democrats in safe districts. The activist had deleted an X thread criticizing the party after his plans created significant division within Democratic ranks.
Hogg’s short-lived tenure as vice chair was marked by tension with party leadership, particularly after he endorsed Virginia state Del. Irene Shin in a special election despite the DNC’s neutrality stance in primaries. His actions prompted DNC Chair Ken Martin to propose bylaw changes that would ensure party officers remain neutral in Democratic primaries, referencing past controversies that damaged the party during the 2016 election cycle.

“No one knows who the hell I am, right? I’m trying to get my sea legs underneath of me and actually develop any amount of credibility so I can go out there and raise the money and do the job I need to put ourselves in a position to win. I don’t think you intended this, but you essentially destroyed any chance I have to show the leadership that I need to. So it’s really frustrating”, said Ken Martin.

Party Tensions and Future Leadership

With the invalidation of the previous elections, the DNC will hold new elections from June 12-17. Malcolm Kenyatta remains the only candidate for the male vice chair slot following Hogg’s withdrawal, while Kalyn Free, Jeanna Repass, and Shasti Conrad are eligible to compete for the second position that can be filled by a candidate of any gender. The situation has highlighted ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party regarding the balance between party unity and internal reform.

“If there is anything activism or history teaches us it’s that comfortable people, especially comfortable people with power, do not change. In this moment of crisis, comfort is not an option.”, said David Hogg.

Despite stepping down from his DNC role, Hogg plans to pursue his vision through other channels. He announced intentions to raise funds through a political action committee called “Leaders We Deserve” to support young progressives against established party members. Hogg has criticized what he describes as a lack of vision among Democratic leaders and a Capitol Hill culture that rewards seniority and complacency, arguing that the party needs fresh voices to better confront Republicans and connect with younger voters.