WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — Gun control advocate and Democratic National Committee (DNC) Vice Chair David Hogg is stepping down from his leadership role after his plan to challenge Democratic incumbents in safe congressional districts sparked significant internal backlash.
Hogg, who rose to national prominence as a Parkland school shooting survivor and activist, has faced mounting criticism for using his platform within the DNC to promote primary challenges against sitting Democrats he deems ineffective. His political group, Leaders We Deserve, recently unveiled a plan to spend $20 million in the 2026 midterms to support young progressive candidates running in solidly Democratic districts.
DNC Chair Ken Martin responded swiftly to Hogg’s initiative, proposing a formal rule requiring national party officials to remain neutral in all primary elections. “No DNC officer should ever attempt to influence the outcome of a primary election, whether on behalf of an incumbent or a challenger,” Martin told reporters Thursday during a press call. He emphasized that the change is about preserving trust and impartiality within the party.
Martin’s proposal would codify neutrality in the DNC’s official rules and bylaws. It’s expected to go before the DNC’s Rules & Bylaws Committee in July and, if passed, will advance to a full vote by the DNC membership in August. The news was first reported by NOTUS.
The neutrality pledge is widely seen as a direct response to Hogg’s actions. Although Hogg insisted his group would not target Democrats in competitive seats or use DNC resources, many party leaders viewed his efforts as incompatible with the responsibilities of a DNC officer.
“What is happening here is they’re attempting to change the rules, which in effect will force me out of the organization,” Hogg told CNN’s Kaitlan Collins on The Source. While he did not confirm whether he would sign the neutrality pledge, Hogg expressed concern that the proposed rule was designed to push him out.
Hogg argued that the DNC’s core responsibilities—setting the presidential primary calendar, debate schedule, supporting state parties, and maintaining data infrastructure—do not conflict with his external political advocacy. “Nothing I’m doing is at odds with any of that.”
However, party officials disagree. Martin stressed that DNC officers must act as neutral referees, not players in internal contests. “If you want to challenge incumbents, you’re more than free to do that—but just not as an officer of the DNC,” he said.
Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb, who also leads the Association of State Democratic Parties, echoed Martin’s sentiment during the call. She positioned the proposal as part of a broader effort to rebuild trust in party leadership after controversies like the 2016 Democratic primary, where the DNC faced allegations of favoritism toward Hillary Clinton.
“This is not about shielding incumbents or boosting challengers,” Martin said. “It’s about voters’ trust in the party. When we uphold a clear policy of neutrality, we guard against the perception or reality of bias.”
Despite the controversy, Hogg remains resolute in his mission to reshape the Democratic Party’s bench. “There’s a difference in strategy here, and the way that we think things need to be done,” he said. His group plans to continue supporting progressive candidates who challenge long-time incumbents, arguing that generational change is necessary to build a stronger opposition to the Republican agenda.
