CNN –
David Hogg will not seek reelection to his Democratic National Committee leadership position after the party announced Wednesday that he and Malcolm Kenyatta voted to redo the vice-chairman’s contest won in February.
“In the end, I decided not to compete in this next election, so the party can focus on what’s really important,” Hogg said in a statement.
Hogg’s decision not to run again ends a months-long intraparty battle between young gun control advocates and many of the national committee, which have distracted themselves from the party’s efforts to rebuild after destroying election losses in 2024.
The resigning vice-chairman accused the party leader of trying to expel him from his position against his frustration over his plan to make democratic incumbents in a safe seat through his PAC leader, which we deserve.
DNC members claim that Hogg mischaracterized the vote. The first challenge for how the committee handled the February 1st vote for the Vice-Chair position came in late February, months before Hogg announced his major initiative.
Still, the members’ feelings about Hogg and his continued public dispute with the party leader have significantly pushed the vote. The proposal to hold a new election was attended by 89% of DNC members, exceeding 75% to 25%.
DNC Chair Ken Martin praised Hogg for his work on the committee.
“I commend David for his years of activity, organisation and fighting for his generation. I respect his decision to step back from his post as vice-chairman while I continue to believe he is a powerful voice for this party,” Martin said in a statement. “There’s no doubt he’ll continue to be a key Democrat advocate beyond the map.”
Had Hogg been running again, he would have faced Kenyatta in an election where he had to go to men under the gender parity rules of the DNC.
“We are grateful for the overwhelming support we received from our DNC members in this reelection and look forward to returning to the job we chose to vote up and down,” Kenyatta said in a statement. “I want David to be the best.”
Voting for another Vice-Chairperson’s seat will take place from Sunday morning until Tuesday afternoon. Three female candidates who ran in February are eligible: Karin Frey, an Oklahoma democratic activist who submitted the assignment, as well as Kansas party chair Janna Lepas and Washington party chair Chasti Conrad.
Separately, the DNC is weighing the new proposal presented by Martin, which will officially require elected party leaders to remain neutral in the primary. The DNC is expected to vote for the measure at its August meeting.
This story has been updated with additional details.
CNN’s Arlette Saenz contributed to this report.
