Democratic party infighting will be financed in the upcoming election cycle, thanks to a controversial initiative to fund primary challengers running against sitting Democratic lawmakers.
Democratic National Committee Vice Chair David Hogg, a 25-year-old activist and Parkland school shooting survivor, announced this week that his group Leaders We Deserve will spend $20 million targeting "ineffective" Democratic incumbents in reliably blue districts. The goal, he says, is to inject fresh energy and generational change into a party he believes is falling out of touch with its base.
"Our base is craving dramatic change," Hogg told the New York Times. "We need to show our base we're here to fight for them. We need to show there are younger faces stepping up."
But the move has enraged many within the party, who view it as an ill-timed distraction during a critical election cycle.
I am as critical as anyone of the old guard who refuse to retire despite the fact that they are past their expiration date for effectiveness, and I want leadership changes, but this is not what we need right now. I want to beat Republicans. https://t.co/lC2EZWSgBH
— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) April 16, 2025
"I want leadership changes, but this is not what we need right now," said political commentator Ron Filipkowski. "I want to beat Republicans."
Critics argue the money would be better spent bolstering Democrats in red or purple states rather than challenging safe-seat incumbents. "A DNC vice-chair needs to be a team player, which right now, Hogg isn't," one voter wrote.
Some had harsher words. "David Hogg needs to be railed in because he's dangerous," wrote one user on X, echoing a wave of sentiment that Hogg was creating unnecessary infighting.
"This is why Democrats can't have, or do nice things," another accused. "David Hogg is a snake and the DNC will be ill-served by allowing him to roam free causing chaos."
I don't donate money to Democrats for Democrats to use my funds to attack other Democrats. What the entire fuck is going on. Focusing on "bad" Democrats when we have terrorist Republicans destroying the country and world... David Hogg needs to be railed in because he's dangerous.
— 👑 Mr. Weeks 👑 (@WonderKing82) April 17, 2025
Hogg acknowledged the controversial nature of the project. "This is going to anger a lot of people," he said. Still, he insists it aligns with his DNC campaign promises.
"I am not in this position because I want to bank my political capital," Hogg emphasized. "I just want change. I want to see a stronger Democratic Party."
DNC Chair Ken Martin reiterated the party's "longstanding position" of leaving primary elections to the voters without the involvement of the national party, but stopped short of condemning Hogg's initiative.
"David Hogg is a passionate advocate and we are grateful for his service to the Democratic Party, whether it be in his role as a DNC vice chair or in an outside capacity," Martin added.
Hogg is the only DNC officer who refused to sign a neutrality pledge to stay out of primaries.
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