David Hogg, the young vice-chair of the Democratic National Committee whose vow to unseat “asleep-at-the-wheel” Democrats roiled his party, said on Wednesday that he would step away from the high-ranking role in a move that ends months of internal infighting.
Moments before Hogg announced his decision, members of the committee had voted to hold new vice-chair elections that could have led to his ouster.
In the recording, Martin accuses Hogg of having “destroyed” his ability to effectively lead Democrats out the political wilderness.
In a statement, Martin called Hogg a “powerful voice for this party” and said he commended his activism.
“I respect his decision to step back from his post as Vice Chair,” Martin said.
In a move that puts an end to months of internal infighting, David Hogg, the youthful vice-chair of the Democratic National Committee whose promise to unseat “asleep-at-the-wheel” Democrats shook his party, announced on Wednesday that he would resign from the prominent position.
Members of the committee had decided to hold new elections for vice-chair, which could have resulted in Hogg’s loss, just before he made his announcement.
Hogg announced his intention to leave the race in a statement, saying, “I came into this role to play a positive role in creating the change our party needs.”. “It’s evident that there is a basic disagreement regarding the vice chair’s role, and disagreements are acceptable. When there is so much more that requires our attention, it is unacceptable to let this take up all of our attention. “”.
“In the end, I have made the decision to not run in this upcoming election so the party can focus on what really matters,” he added. “.”.
After Hogg revealed his intention to spend $20 million in Democratic primary elections through his outside political organization, Leaders We Deserve, he experienced severe internal strife with the committee’s leadership team during his brief tenure.
DNC chair Ken Martin supported a plan in April that would have made Hogg decide between his efforts to bring about generational change within the party and his role as vice-chair. Party officers’ internal Zoom meeting audio was leaked to Politico last weekend.
In the audio, Martin claims that Hogg has “ruined” his chances of successfully guiding Democrats out of the political wilderness. After being publicly blamed by several officers for the disclosure, Hogg posted screenshots of the text he had disregarded from the Politico reporter who was requesting comment.
Martin praised Hogg’s activism and referred to him as a “powerful voice for this party” in a statement.
Martin stated, “I respect his decision to resign from his position as Vice Chair.”. He will undoubtedly continue to be a significant voice for Democrats everywhere. I value his hard work, dedication to the party, and service as an officer. “”.
Due to Hogg’s withdrawal, Malcolm Kenyatta, a state lawmaker from Pennsylvania, is the only person qualified to serve as the male vice-chair. Later this week, there will be another vote for the second vice-chair post, which is open to candidates of any gender.
Kenyatta, who has been harshly critical of Hogg and the attention he has received, said in a statement that he is “grateful” to his supporters and ready to move on.
“Democrats need to be brave and face this moment,” he stated. Our immediate tasks include opposing authoritarianism, defending care and dignity, and improving the lives of those who depend on us. “.”.
