David Hogg Says Jasmine Crockett Is Leader Democrats Need

Newsweek

24-05-2025

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Democratic National Committee (DNC) Vice Chair David Hogg publicly endorsed Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas as "the type of leader" their struggling political party needs during a Friday appearance on The Breakfast Club radio show.
The endorsement comes as Hogg faces potential removal from his leadership position following a credentials committee vote this month that challenged his February election due to procedural errors.
Newsweek reached out to Hogg and Crockett via email on Saturday for comment.
Why It Matters
This endorsement highlights the ongoing identity crisis within the Democratic Party following comprehensive losses in the 2024 election cycle. Democrats lost the White House, Senate, and House, creating uncertainty about the party's future direction and leadership. The public backing of Crockett, known for controversial statements and confrontational tactics, signals a potential shift toward more combative political messaging.
Recent polling shows former Vice President Kamala Harris currently leading potential 2028 presidential candidates, followed by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
Parkland school shooting survivor David Hogg speaks during an anti-gun violence rally in Boston, Massachusetts, on March 25, 2023.
Parkland school shooting survivor David Hogg speaks during an anti-gun violence rally in Boston, Massachusetts, on March 25, 2023.
JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images
What To Know
Hogg praised the Dallas congresswoman's confrontational political style, describing her as someone who "fights and calls out the bulls***" and possesses the authenticity Democrats seek in leadership.
Crockett, 44, has established herself as one of President Donald Trump's most vocal critics since his 2024 election victory. She has referred to the president as a "dictator" and "enemy to the United States," calling him "the person that allegedly got elected." In March, she suggested uncertainty about whether the U.S. "will have elections" in 2028.
During interview, Hogg elaborated on why he views Crockett as ideal Democratic leadership material. "I think Jasmine is, frankly, the type of leader that we're really looking to support in some senses, right?" he told host Charlamagne Tha God. "Somebody who is out there that frankly doesn't give a damn what the other side — at least the elected Republicans in Congress — say."
Hogg described Crockett as having the "authenticity" Democrats seek in a standard-bearer, noting that "people want to see somebody who fights and calls out the bulls*** ultimately."
The congresswoman has made several controversial statements beyond her Trump criticism. She described a deported alleged MS-13 gang member as "a lot less criminal" than Trump and argued in a December Vanity Fair interview that Hispanic Trump voters had a "slave mentality." In March, she mocked Texas Governor Greg Abbott's wheelchair use, dubbing him "Governor Hot Wheels," prompting Abbott to suggest she has "nothing to sell but hate."
Crockett is also positioning herself for greater party leadership roles. Earlier this month, she announced her intention to compete for the top Democratic position on the House Oversight Committee following Rep. Gerry Connolly's decision to step down due to his cancer battle. As the committee's current vice ranking member, Crockett told Politico she is "ready to shine a light on the very dark things taking place in our country under this administration."
The lawmaker faces potential competition from Ocasio-Cortez, who previously lost the ranking member position to Connolly in December by a 131-84 vote, reportedly with backing from former Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The oversight committee leadership race could serve as another test of progressive influence within the Democratic caucus.
Hogg, 25, became a national figure following the 2018 Parkland school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, where he was a senior. Since his DNC election, he has drawn criticism for plans to spend $20 million challenging long-serving Democratic House members in primaries, creating friction with party leadership.
What People Are Saying
David Hogg on The Breakfast Club: "I love her. She is amazing. I think that people want to see somebody who fights and calls out the bulls*** ultimately. I think that's what Jasmine does."
President Donald Trump on Meet the Press earlier this month: "I can't name one Democrat, I mean, I look at the Democrats. They're in total disarray. They have a new person named Crockett. I watched her speak the other day. She's definitely a low IQ person. And they said she's the future of the party."
Former Vice President Kamala Harris praised Crockett and other politicians during a speech April 30 posted by PBS News Hour: "And I will tell you the courage of all these Americans inspires me. And I have been inspired. By movements like the one in Wisconsin that put Susan Crawford on the Supreme Court. By the State of the People Power Tour that is aiming to ignite a grassroots movement to lift up voices and advance freedom and justices. And ty leaders across the spectrum including Congressional Leaders like Corey Booker, Chris Van Hollen, Chris Murphy, Jasmine Crockett, Maxwell Cross, AOC, and Bernie Sanders. All who in different ways have been speaking with moral clarity about this moment."
What Happens Next
The full DNC will vote in June on whether to remove Hogg from his vice chair position and conduct a new election.
Meanwhile, Crockett's rising profile within progressive circles, combined with Hogg's endorsement, positions her as a potential voice in shaping the party's approach to Republican opposition.