David Hogg, a survivor of the 2018 Parkland school shooting, is no stranger to making waves. Now, as a newly elected vice chairman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), Hogg is pushing a bold plan to breathe new life into the Democratic Party by challenging its oldest lawmakers. At just 25, he’s leveraging his platform to demand change, but his approach is sparking both excitement and tension within the party.
A Radical Vision for Change
Hogg believes the Democratic Party is stuck in a rut, with a “moribund brand” that’s failing to connect with young voters and address urgent issues like President Trump’s policies. His solution? Replace aging incumbents with young, energetic Democrats who can bring fresh ideas and fight harder. Through his political action committee, Leaders We Deserve, co-founded in 2023, Hogg plans to spend $20 million to back primary challengers in safe Democratic districts. He argues that the party’s current leaders aren’t doing enough to counter Trump’s influence or meet the needs of younger Americans.
This plan hasn’t gone over well with everyone. DNC chair Ken Martin has pushed back, asking Hogg to sign a neutrality pledge or step down. Some party leaders see his actions as divisive, especially since he’s a vice chairman. A complaint about the DNC election process, citing gender representation rules, might even lead to a revote that could oust Hogg. But he’s unfazed, saying, “If I do get removed, it only proves my point.” For Hogg, the fight is about making the party stronger, not protecting the status quo.
Why the DNC?
Hogg ran for the DNC vice chair position to force the party to listen to tough truths. He’s frustrated by what he sees as a lack of courage and a failure to address real issues. For example, he’s called out the party’s dismissal of young men as a voting group, arguing that Democrats need to stop treating empathy as a zero-sum game. “Caring about one [group] doesn’t mean we don’t care about the other,” he says. Hogg wants Democrats to focus on practical solutions—like addressing high prices—rather than relying on graphs or slogans to win over voters.
His broader goal is to change the party’s culture. Hogg believes Democrats need to stop acting like a “debate club” and start fighting like they’re in “WrestleMania.” He points to the party’s low 26% approval rating and losses across nearly every demographic as evidence that the current approach isn’t working. “It’s not our message,” he says. “It’s our messengers.”
A Polarizing Figure
Hogg’s tactics have drawn criticism, even from potential allies. Pennsylvania state senator Malcolm Kenyatta, another young DNC vice chair, has accused Hogg of making the election controversy all about himself. Despite this, Hogg remains respectful, calling it a “strategic disagreement” and refusing to air private conversations publicly.
Critics also worry that Hogg’s criteria for challenging incumbents—who he claims aren’t “fighting back effectively” against Trump—are too vague. When pressed, Hogg avoids specifics, saying that no one is fully meeting the moment. Instead, he wants to “light a fire” under the party, encouraging bolder leadership and less reliance on seniority.
A Bigger Picture
Hogg sees the Democratic Party’s struggles as part of a global trend. He notes that gender polarization—young men trending conservative and young women leaning liberal—is happening in developed countries worldwide. To counter this, he believes Democrats need to show they’re evolving by electing leaders based on effectiveness, not tradition.
He’s also critical of defeatist attitudes within the party. Hogg directly challenged an op-ed by veteran Democrat James Carville, who suggested Democrats should “roll over and play dead” and let Trump fail. Hogg’s response? “Do you want to roll over and die, or do you want to fight?” For him, politics isn’t a time for exhaustion—it’s a time for courage.
The Road Ahead
Whether or not Hogg keeps his DNC seat, he’s committed to his mission. If ousted, he’ll focus on Leaders We Deserve and continue pushing for younger, bolder Democrats in Congress. His critics may see him as a troublemaker, but his supporters view him as a necessary spark for a party in need of reinvention.
Hogg’s journey from Parkland survivor to Democratic disruptor shows his willingness to take risks. AfterVisual Studio Codee Parkland, he ignored consultants who said taking on the NRA was “too unpopular.” That fight led to real change, and now he’s bringing that same defiance to the Democratic Party. As he puts it, “The only good politician is a scared politician.” With Hogg in the ring, the Democratic Party might just be feeling the heat.
