The Democratic National Committee voted on Monday to void its earlier election of David Hogg as vice chair of the Democratic Party.
The decision follows growing internal criticism of Hogg’s leadership, though party officials said the vote was in response to a procedural challenge filed in February. The challenge alleged that both Hogg and another official were improperly elected. The DNC is expected to hold another vote later this year to determine whether Hogg will be formally removed from the position, Fox News reported.
“[It’s] impossible to ignore the broader context of my work to reform the party which loomed large over this vote,” Hogg said in a statement after the vote, according to Politico. “The DNC has pledged to remove me, and this vote has provided an avenue to fast-track that effort.”
Monday’s vote also removed Pennsylvania State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta from his position as DNC vice chair. Christine Pelosi, a member of the DNC credentials committee and daughter of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, emphasized that the decision was not a reflection of their performance.
“First, I want to say clearly and explicitly that this decision has nothing to do with the service of any DNC officer, especially [Hogg] or [Kenyatta]. This is about a violation of parliamentary procedure that was raised in a challenge filed back in February by another candidate for Vice Chair,” Pelosi claimed.
“I think I speak for all of us on the Committee when I say I hope both of these talented individuals put their names on the ballot again,” she said. “We’ll move fast to get this resolved. I have total faith in our DNC members to review this issue and vote their conscience.”
Hogg’s possible removal follows his announcement of a $20 million campaign aimed at challenging older Democratic incumbents in safe blue districts, with the goal of paving the way for a new generation of party leadership.
Hogg sparred with longtime Democratic strategist James Carville during a joint appearance on journalist Tara Palmeri’s podcast, where the two clashed over Hogg’s plan to challenge veteran Democratic incumbents.
Carville slammed the strategy as “abominable” and “jacka–ery of the highest level,” arguing it wrongly prioritizes ousting fellow Democrats instead of defeating Republicans. He urged Hogg to focus on winning against the GOP.
Hogg pushed back, asserting that the party is capable of doing both, and defended his approach by saying the ultimate goal of his strategy is to “win elections.”
“It’s not to win an election in Queens which you don’t ever run against a Republican. It’s to help Democrats win elections,” Hogg said.
Later, Carville offered a softer tone, posting on social media that the DNC “needs him,” as he “fights” for the party.
Frustration with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), meanwhile, is boiling over in her home district, as residents in Queens and the Bronx express growing resentment over what they see as her self-centered, high-profile political style that leaves local concerns neglected.
Constituents told the New York Post they’re fed up with what they describe as lackluster service from her district offices, which receive $1.9 million in taxpayer funding. One office is open only on a single weekday, while the other is closed on Fridays. Phones frequently go unanswered, and residents are often told to make appointments just to discuss their issues.
Ocasio-Cortez’s town halls, once held monthly, have become rare. When they do happen, locals say it’s nearly impossible to ask a question, and at times she doesn’t even attend in person, opting instead to call in, leaving many constituents feeling ignored and disrespected, The Post reported.
“This woman has done nothing for the community she was once again elected to serve. Now she can’t be a Congresswoman because she’s too busy?” Lauro Vazquez of Woodside, Queens, told the outlet.