Newly elected DNC vice chair David Hogg using platform to solicit donations for his own PAC, insiders say: ‘Doesn’t give an oink’

David Hogg: A Rising Star in Politics Amidst Controversy

David Hogg, the 24-year-old activist and survivor of the 2018 Parkland school shooting, has quickly become a polarizing figure within the Democratic Party. Barely two weeks into his tenure as the newly elected vice chairman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), Hogg has sparked controversy among party insiders. According to sources within the DNC, Hogg has been using the party’s vast contact database to send out solicitations for donations to his personal political action committee (PAC), “Leaders We Deserve.” This has raised eyebrows among senior Democrats, who view the move as self-serving and potentially detrimental to the party’s broader fundraising goals.

Hogg’s rise to prominence began after the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, where he emerged as a vocal advocate for gun control. His activism catapulted him into the national spotlight, and he has since become a prominent voice among young progressives. However, his latest actions have drawn criticism, with some questioning his judgment and priorities as a party leader. Hogg’s PAC, which he co-founded in August 2023, aims to elect young progressives to Congress and state legislatures. However, it has also provided him with a six-figure income, raising concerns about conflicts of interest.

Hogg’s Fundraising Tactics Under Scrutiny

Since becoming DNC vice chairman, Hogg has sent out at least eight texts to the party’s database, urging recipients to donate to his PAC. One of the messages reads, “David Hogg here: I was just elected DNC Vice Chair! This is a huge win for our movement to make the Democratic Party more reflective of our base: youthful, energetic, and ready to win.” The texts include a link to his PAC’s donation page. While Hogg’s actions are not explicitly against party rules, they have rubbed some Democrats the wrong way, particularly because they appear to prioritize his personal political ambitions over fundraising for the DNC itself.

According to Federal Election Commission records, Hogg has earned more than $175,000 from his PAC since its inception, including over $20,000 in December 2023 alone. Critics argue that this creates a perception of impropriety, as Hogg is leveraging his position within the DNC to enriched himself. “It’s especially important for all Democratic national officials to focus on raising support for the party and not using their position to raise money for themselves or their personal political PACs,” said a senior Democratic official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “It’s a stunning lack of judgment that is concerning to many people.”

The Backlash and Questions About Hogg’s Leadership

The criticism of Hogg extends beyond his fundraising tactics. Some Democrats have expressed concern about his lack of experience and his history of advocating for far-left positions, such as defunding the police and abolishing the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. These positions, while popular among some progressives, are seen as too radical by more moderate Democrats, who fear they could alienate swing voters in the 2024 elections.

Cameron Kasky, a fellow survivor of the Parkland shooting and a former ally of Hogg, has also voiced frustration over his ascension to leadership. “I mean, it’s just very frustrating to be in a party in desperate need of increased accountability for our struggling leadership and watch someone who is never held accountable ascend to leadership,” Kasky said. Hogg’s appointment as DNC vice chairman at such a young age has made him arguably the most powerful member of Generation Z in U.S. politics. However, his rapid rise has also fueled accusations that he lacks the maturity and experience necessary for such a high-profile role.

Hogg’s Response and the Bigger Picture

When reached for comment, Hogg declined to speak to the press, telling a reporter, “I was not doing any interviews,” before hanging up. A DNC spokesman later defended Hogg, stating that he had raised money for the DNC since becoming vice chairman and had done so “many times before.” While this may be true, the controversy surrounding Hogg’s fundraising practices highlights a broader issue within the Democratic Party: the balance between nurturing young, energetic leaders and maintaining accountability and unity within the organization.

Hogg’s ability to inspire and mobilize young voters is undeniable, and his passion for progressive causes has earned him a loyal following. However, as a leader within the DNC, he is expected to prioritize the party’s interests over his personal ambitions. The scrutiny he is facing serves as a reminder that leadership in politics comes with both power and responsibility. Whether Hogg can navigate this challenge and prove himself as an effective and selfless leader will determine not only his future within the Democratic Party but also the party’s ability to unite and succeed in upcoming elections.