David Hogg faces possible ouster from DNC after re-election vote
The Brief
The DNC voted to hold a new election for two vice chair positions, including David Hogg's.
A Credentials Committee complaint alleged the February vote violated party procedures.
Hogg says the move is politically motivated amid his calls to challenge party leadership.
David Hogg may lose his seat as a vice chair of the Democratic National Committee after the party voted to redo its February officer election, citing procedural concerns — and stoking deeper tensions over Hogg's confrontational approach to party reform.
DNC members voted overwhelmingly this week to re-run the elections for two vice chair roles, including the one held by Hogg, a 25-year-old activist and rising progressive voice. The resolution passed with 75% of ballots cast in favor, following a complaint from party activist Kalyn Free alleging that the original election process violated DNC parliamentary rules and disadvantaged women of color candidates.
The re-election will be held June 12–17. Hogg is eligible to run again but could lose his position depending on the outcome.
The backstory
The complaint, submitted after the Feb. 1 officer vote, argued that the DNC's tabulation method violated the party's charter and failed to follow proper procedure. Last month, the DNC Credentials Committee agreed, voting to recommend a re-vote.
While DNC officials emphasized the decision was based on procedural fairness — not personalities — the re-election comes at a politically sensitive time for Hogg.
Big picture view
Hogg, who rose to national prominence as a survivor of the 2018 Parkland school shooting, has since become a forceful advocate for generational change in the Democratic Party. Through his PAC "Leaders We Deserve," he pledged to raise $20 million to primary challenge older Democrats in safe blue districts — a move that drew internal criticism.
Earlier this year, leaked audio from a private Zoom call revealed DNC Chair Ken Martin expressing frustration with Hogg's efforts, telling him, "You essentially destroyed any chance I have to show the leadership that I need to."
Following that conversation, Martin offered Hogg a choice: step down from his DNC role or stop organizing primary challenges through his PAC.
While Hogg declined to step down, he now faces an electoral threat to his position.
What they're saying
Hogg has framed the re-vote as "an expedited plan to remove me as vice chair," adding that while the vote was "based on how the DNC conducted its officers' elections, which I had nothing to do with, it is also impossible to ignore the broader context of my work to reform the party."
Kalyn Free, the party member who initiated the complaint, pushed back on that interpretation, telling Fox News Digital, "This was never about Malcolm Kenyatta or David Hogg. For me, this was about ensuring that the Democratic Party lives up to our ideals as the only political party to believe in and stand up for election integrity and a free and fair democracy."
Kenyatta, who received the most votes in the February election and also holds a vice chair role, criticized the idea that the story should center on Hogg at all.
"Any story about this that neatly places this into a narrative about David Hogg is wrong," Kenyatta said. "I worked my a– off to get this role and have done the job every day since I've held it… Even though he clearly wants it to be [about him]."
What's next
The DNC's new vote will include only those candidates who were eligible for the third ballot in February: Hogg, Kenyatta, Kalyn Free, Jeanna Repass, and Shasti Conrad.
According to DNC rules, one vice chair position must be held by a male, while the other can be held by a candidate of any gender. Voting will begin June 12.
The Source
This article is based on official statements from the Democratic National Committee, reporting from Politico and Fox News Digital, and direct quotes from DNC officials and candidates involved in the election dispute. The re-vote was initiated after the DNC Credentials Committee found violations of procedure in the original February election. This story was reported from Los Angeles.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
25 minutes ago
- Yahoo
California U.S. Senator Alex Padilla Manhandled Out of DHS Secretary L.A. Presser, Cuffed
California U.S. Senator Alex Padilla Manhandled Out of DHS Secretary L.A. Presser, Cuffed originally appeared on L.A. Mag. United States Senator Alex Padilla was manhandled out of a press conference held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem Thursday in Los Angeles and hurled to the floor by federal agents who handcuffed him after he yelled out: "I have questions."Padilla, the son of Mexican immigrants who grew up in the San Fernando Valley, showed up as Noem was engaged in a press conference that ratcheted up rhetoric targeting Democratic leaders of Los Angeles, in particular Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom. As she spoke, Padilla identified himself and said "I have questions for the secretary." Before he could continue, the senator was flanked by agents in plainclothes and hustled out into the hallway where he was thrown to the floor and handcuffed by FBI agents. The encounter sparked outrage from Democrats, including Governor Gavin Newsom who posted on X: "If they can handcuff a U.S. Senator for asking a question, imagine what they will do to you." The incident took place as Noem took aim at demonstrators who have engaged in violence against law enforcement and extensive vandalism that had marred much of DTLA including public buildings, parks, and the the Japanese community of Little Tokyo. She also ratcheted up the ugly rhetoric that continues to be leveled at Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. 'We are not going away. We are staying here to liberate this city from the socialist and burdensome leadership that this Governor Newsom and this mayor placed on this country and what they have tried to insert into this city,'' Noem said. She later said that she called Padilla, who was not charged, and had a conversation. "After he interrupted our press conference with law enforcement, I met with Senator Padilla for 15 minutes," she wrote on X. "We probably disagree on 90% of the topics but we agreed to exchanged phone numbers and we will continue to talk—that is the way it should be in this country."That explanation was not enough for Democratic leaders who took to the floor of the U.S. Senate on Capitol Hill to express their outrage. Among the lawmakers who made a statement was Cory Booker, the U.S. Senator from New Jersey. "A United States Senator in his own see him being thrown to the ground," Booker said. "This to me is such an abuse of authority, it is a violent act, and there can be no justification of seeing a senator forced to their knees, laid flat on the ground, their hands twisted behind their back, and being put into restraints." Padilla was not arrested in the incident. This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
35 minutes ago
- Yahoo
NYC mayoral debate night: List of candidates, latest polls
The Brief With just weeks until the New York City mayoral primary, a high-stakes Democratic debate took place Thursday night, drawing increased attention to the tight race. Only seven candidates took the stage Thursday night including front runners, former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani. Thursday night's debate highlighted several hot-button issues, with rent-stabilized housing emerging as a key flashpoint. NEW YORK - With just weeks until the New York City mayoral primary, a high-stakes Democratic debate took place Thursday night, drawing increased attention to the tight race. Only seven candidates took the stage, including front-runners, former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani. Mayor Eric Adams, who is seeking reelection as an independent, will skip the June 24 primary and avoid a direct matchup with the two. Thursday night's debate highlighted several hot-button issues, with rent-stabilized housing emerging as a key flashpoint. Most candidates backed a rent freeze to address affordability and the city's housing shortage, while Andrew Cuomo and Whitney Tilson declined to support it. On immigration, nearly every contender positioned themselves as staunch defenders of New York City's sanctuary laws in response to President Trump's ongoing crackdown. SKIP TO: Republicans | Democrats | Independents| How to vote | Ranked choice explained | Polls For the first time since former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo entered the race back on March 1, one poll has him trailing. It comes as other recent polls show Cuomo roughly 10 percentage points ahead. Cuomo polls strongest with Black voters and those over 50, while Mamdani leads among younger voters, white voters, and the college-educated (Emerson/PIX11/The Hill, May 2025). New York City will use ranked-choice voting in primary and special elections for mayoral races. Here's everything to know about the 2025 Mayoral Election. SKIP TO: Republicans | Democrats | Independents| How to vote | Ranked choice explained | Why you should care: In ranked choice voting, you can rank up to 5 candidates. First Round: If a candidate gets over 50%, they win. No Majority? The lowest-ranked candidate is eliminated, and their votes go to voters' next choices. Repeat: This continues until two candidates remain, and the one with the most votes wins. Results are final only after all ballots (including absentees) are counted. For the June 27 Primary, ranked-choice voting will be used for City Council races. Here's a quick look at the key candidates vying for mayor and what they stand for. SKIP TO: Republicans | Democrats | Independents| How to vote | Ranked choice explained | Polls What they're saying: Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, 64, announced that he is running as an independent, forgoing the Democratic primary for mayor. The decision comes after a federal judge dismissed the corruption indictment against Adams, ending the first criminal case against a sitting city mayor in modern history. Adams explained that the case "dragged on too long" with "false accusations" hanging over him, and he believes the city is better served by independent leadership, not influenced by extremists on either side. Now he plans to appeal directly to all New Yorkers as an independent candidate in the general election. Jim Walden, 59, a longtime NYC lawyer, is running as an independent in the 2025 mayoral race. He is known for handling high-profile cases, including serving as special counsel to a task force created by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy to investigate the state's tax incentive programs. He's also advocated for NYCHA families exposed to toxic lead. Walden has been openly critical of Mayor Adams' "City of Yes" plan, claiming it has serious flaws and doesn't address the housing crisis effectively. His campaign focuses on housing solutions and anti-corruption, with a promise to build over 50,000 new housing units every year. SKIP TO: Republicans | Democrats | Independents| How to vote | Ranked choice explained | Polls Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, 67, seems to be focusing his 2025 mayoral campaign on what he describes as a city in crisis. In his 2025 mayoral campaign ad, Cuomo positioned himself as a leader ready to address what he calls "a city in crisis." Cuomo argues that the city feels unsafe and out of control because of poor leadership, and he believes his experience makes him the right person to fix these problems and bring the city back on track. Despite stepping down as governor in 2021 amid scandal, Cuomo is seeking a political comeback, positioning himself as a solution to the city's most pressing issues. Adrienne Adams, 64, jumped in as a contender to enter the race, directly after former Cuomo. Adams, who was first elected to the City Council in a 2017 special election, is nearing the end of her term due to term limits. If elected, she would make history as the first woman, the first Black woman, and the first City Council speaker to become mayor of New York City. If she officially enters the race, Adams will likely face significant obstacles, including limited campaign resources and a recent poll showing her with only 2% support among likely Democratic voters. Despite these challenges, she says her experience sets her apart and has reportedly been urged to run by key stakeholders, including unions such as District Council 37 and 32BJ. Brad Lander, 55, is the current NYC comptroller and a progressive who advocates for police reform, affordable housing, and better management of the migrant crisis. He has criticized Adams' handling of migrant services and aims to improve workforce development for migrants. Lander has faced criticism for speeding violations despite pushing for stricter traffic laws. SKIP TO: Republicans | Democrats | Independents| How to vote | Ranked choice explained | Polls SKIP TO: Candidates | How to vote | Ranked choice State Sen. Jessica Ramos, 39, announced that she would be running for NYC mayor amid calls for Eric Adams to resign. Ramos focuses on affordable housing, tackling human trafficking, and improving city services. As the only woman in the race, Ramos connects deeply with immigrant communities and emphasizes the importance of basic services like garbage collection and school funding. She is also a strong advocate for closing the immigrant trust gap and providing better support for migrant workers. Whitney Tilson, 58, is an investor and lifelong Democrat who has emphasized the need for a city that is safe, affordable, and prosperous, criticizing career politicians for failing to address key issues. Tilson, who is not a career politician, pledges to restore common sense to City Hall and fight for real change in leadership. He believes that with working families leaving the city, New York cannot afford more of the same leadership. Zellnor Myrie, 38, is a Brooklyn native focused on affordable housing and electoral reform. Myrie is known for legislative victories on tenant protections and voting rights. As Chair of the Elections Committee, Myrie has worked on improving election processes and policies. SKIP TO: Republicans | Democrats | Independents| How to vote | Ranked choice explained | Polls Zohran Mamdani , 33, is a self-declared socialist with a focus on rent freezes, free bus rides, and no-cost childcare. He advocates for housing affordability and aims to redirect funds to public institutions like CUNY. Mamdani reportedly reached the maximum funding limit of $8 million for the June primary, making him the first candidate to do so. Mamdani is known for his activism, including leading a hunger strike alongside taxi drivers. SKIP TO: Candidates | How to vote | Ranked choice Scott Stringer, 64, former NYC comptroller, is focused on transparency and good governance. Stringer was the first mayoral candidate to qualify for public matching funds. He gained attention last mayoral cycle in the race despite sexual misconduct allegations from a former intern, which he denies. Stringer is tied for third in the most recent poll with 8 percent alongside state Sen. Jessica Ramos, State Sen. Zellnor Myrie. SKIP TO: Republicans | Democrats | Independents| How to vote | Ranked choice explained | Polls Michael Blake, 42, a former Bronx assemblyman and vice chair of the DNC, is known for his focus on economic equity and social justice. He previously ran for New York's 15th congressional district, where he lost to Ritchie Torres. Blake, a former White House aide to President Obama, also served as campaign manager for Reshma Saujani's 2013 run for New York City Public Advocate. He has focused his run committed to issues like fair wages, universal childcare, and housing equality through his work with the Atlas Strategy Group, which focuses on policy issues for communities of color. Curtis Sliwa, 67, is a longtime New York City activist and founder of the Guardian Angels, a 1970s nonprofit known for its crime-fighting efforts and signature red berets. Sliwa says he's running for mayor to "finally end the disastrous reign of de Blasio-Cuomo," with public safety and police funding at the core of his campaign. He proposes adding 4,500 uniformed officers and 500 undercover officers to patrol the subways and pledges to restore all NYPD budget cuts, according to The City. Sliwa is a Republican who does not support President Donald Trump, and has noted that he's never voted for him. SKIP TO: Republicans | Democrats | Independents| How to vote | Ranked choice explained | Polls June 14: Last day to update your address for the general election. June 24: Primary Election Day. Polls open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Early voting: Available from Saturday, June 14 through Sunday, June 22. Make sure your registration and address are current so you can vote without any issues. New York City will use ranked-choice voting in Primary and Special Elections for Mayor, Public Advocate, Comptroller, Borough President, and City Council. This change was approved by voters in 2019.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Pritzker slams House Republicans after sanctuary law hearing: ‘Again, nothing accomplished'
The Brief Gov. J.B. Pritzker spent over eight hours testifying before the House Oversight Committee, criticizing Republicans for focusing on partisan attacks instead of immigration reform. Tensions rose during exchanges with Rep. Mary Miller, who questioned Pritzker about working with a potential Trump administration and ICE; Pritzker later called her a "terrible congresswoman." Pritzker defended Illinois' TRUST Act, saying it remains necessary due to federal inaction on immigration, and called for comprehensive reform from Congress. WASHINGTON, D.C. - After testifying before the House Oversight Committee in Washington, D.C. for eight hours on Thursday over the state of Illinois' sanctuary policies, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said ultimately, nothing was accomplished. "This Republican majority was not at all interested in addressing comprehensive immigration reform, which is what we need in this country, and instead, they simply attacked three Democratic governors who are all trying to deal with the failures of this Congress," Pritzker said. "Look, the Republicans have a bare majority in the House of Representatives, and they control the government. They should work with Democrats to get this reform done. They should have listened to us about the challenges that we have in dealing with their failures, but they did not. It was just attack after attack and it's too bad. We had an awful lot to offer." What we know Pritzker appeared before the committee alongside Democratic governors Tim Walz of Minnesota and Kathy Hochul of New York to testify on state-level immigration policies, including Illinois' status as a sanctuary state. The hearing also touched on the incident that day in which U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., was shoved and handcuffed during a press conference led by South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem and officials from the Department of Homeland Security. "They showed no respect about the attack on Senator Padilla. All he wanted was just answers to questions. He went into a press conference that Kristi Noem was running, tried to ask questions and instead was thrown down to the ground and handcuffed. I mean, this is Donald Trump's America, where they take a Democratic senator, throw him down on the ground, and handcuff him for just wanting answers that his constituents need for him to do the job," Pritzker said. Another tense exchange came with U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, R-Ill., who cited a report that Pritzker had called for "mass protests, mobilization and disruption." She then asked whether he would commit to working with the Trump administration and ICE to prevent violence like that seen during protests in Los Angeles. "We work every day with our federal government… we do all the time work with the federal government, with law enforcement," Pritzker said. "I'm taking that as a yes," Miller said. Following the hearing, Pritzker criticized Miller, saying she "brings nothing home to her district." "Mary Miller is a terrible congresswoman for her district. She literally brings nothing home to the district. She does not believe in doing things for her constituents and, instead, all she does is attack, attack, and attack. She does that on her Twitter account, she does that on her Facebook account. She barely shows up for her constituents and almost never wants to engage in conversation about actual policies that will help the people of her district," Pritzker said. Illinois TRUST Act Throughout the hearing, lawmakers repeatedly brought up Illinois' TRUST Act, which limits how much local law enforcement can cooperate with federal immigration authorities. The law, enacted in 2017 under Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, has faced renewed scrutiny. Pritzker was asked if he would consider making any updates to the law, to which he responded, "I think the TRUST Act has done the work that it's supposed to do in an environment in which the federal government is not doing its job." "I said to Congressman LaHood, 'do your job.' And I say that to all members of the Congress. It is time for comprehensive immigration reform," Pritzker added. Pritzker closed his remarks after the hearing by condemning the overall conduct of the Republican-led committee. "An entire day of just harping on things that, frankly, were mostly false," he said. "Would I say it was a waste? I think this entire Republican-controlled Congress is a waste." RELATED: Pritzker testifies before Congress on Illinois sanctuary laws
