On April 15, it was reported that David Hogg, gun control activist and recently elected Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), intended to spend $20 million in Democratic primaries to unseat Democratic incumbents who do not do enough to stand up to President Trump. A summary I wrote can be found on DailyKos here.
The Kos community was polled on their reaction to Hogg’s decision. The results were clear: with 2849 votes as of writing, an overwhelming 90% of Kos readers support Hogg’s decision, with 76% “strongly in favor” of primarying incumbents and 14% “somewhat in favor”.
Now the Democratic Party is striking back. In an appearance on NewsNation on April 17, perennial Democratic pundit James Carville lashed out at Hogg, referring to the school shooting survivor as a “contemptible little twerp” and calling for Hogg to be sued on national television.
A day later, Axios reported that House Democrats are “fuming” at David Hogg’s plan to primary certain Democrats who Hogg alleges are “asleep at the wheel”.
Now, DNC Chair Ken Martin has issued an ultimatum to Hogg: back down on your promise to primary do-nothing Democrats, or be removed as a leader of the DNC. On April 24, it was reported that Martin will propose a rule that would ban any DNC official from being involved in any primary, which would force Hogg’s removal. Hogg has indicated he will not back down.
The removal of Hogg, who is 25 years old, would be a blow to the representation of young people in Democratic Party leadership right after Gen Z shifted heavily towards Republicans in 2024. The move may solidify the Democratic Party’s reputation as being recalcitrant and stubborn amidst a national call amongst regular Democrats for sweeping change within the party.
