David Hogg Steps Down from DNC Role Amid Party Tensions over 2026 Primaries

David Hogg, Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), announced on Wednesday he will not seek re-election for his post, citing internal disagreements over his support for progressive primary challenges against Democratic incumbents ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Hogg, 25, rose to national prominence after surviving the 2018 Parkland school shooting and has since become a prominent gun control advocate and progressive activist. He was elected DNC vice chair earlier this year as the party sought to energize younger, left-leaning voters.

However, tensions emerged within the party when Hogg supported the idea of funding progressive challengers through his outside group, "Leaders We Deserve." In April, DNC Chair Ken Martin warned Hogg that engaging in primary campaigns while holding a leadership position within the party was a conflict of interest. The party considered rule changes to prevent DNC officials from participating in such activities.

Following a 294-99 vote by DNC members to redo the election that seated both Hogg and fellow vice chair Malcolm Kenyatta, Hogg chose not to run again. In a statement, he acknowledged the disagreement, saying, “It is clear that there is a fundamental disagreement about the role of a Vice Chair. What isn’t okay is allowing this to remain our focus when there is so much more we need to be focused on.”

His departure comes as the Democratic Party reels from significant losses in the 2024 elections, including President Donald Trump’s return to office and Republican control of Congress. The party is now facing an internal reckoning as it tries to redefine its direction and messaging ahead of 2026.