In Brain-Breaking Turn of Events, DNC Makes David Hogg Party Leader Under Ken Martin

David Hogg, a survivor of the Parkland school shooting turned vocal gun control advocate, was elected vice chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) on Saturday.

The election also saw Ken Martin, chair of the Minnesota Democratic Party, secure the position of DNC chairman, as reported by The New York Times.

However, the outcome was met with disappointment among some Democratic National Committee members who expressed concerns about representation within the party.

According to Politico, some lamented that the selection process favored white male candidates, potentially diminishing the influence of women and people of color in leadership roles.

Marianne Williamson, the self-help author and former presidential candidate, initially considered running but ultimately withdrew and endorsed Martin. Meanwhile, Quintessa Hathaway, a Black candidate, ran but did not receive any votes.

Trish Ruiz, a delegate from New Mexico, expressed frustration, saying, “I really wish that we would have had a … bigger name female run.”

Marilyn Davis, a former DNC staff member who lost her bid for party secretary, echoed these concerns, stating, “Black women have always been the backbone of our party. We show up for our communities, our party, and every election. Yet time and time again, we are overlooked when it comes to the top leadership positions in our party.”

Hogg’s election places him among three newly appointed vice chairs. Joining him in the role are Pennsylvania state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta and Artie Blanco, a Hispanic woman from Nevada who previously served as the DNC’s Southwest Political Director.

Additionally, Reyna Walters-Morgan was elected as Vice Chair for Civic Engagement and Voter Participation.

Following his victory, Hogg delivered a fiery speech, rallying party members with a call to action.

“Who’s ready to take the fight to the Republicans and win this thing? Are you guys ready to fight?” he asked.

Acknowledging the road ahead, he added, “It’s been a long day, but guess what? We have a long road ahead. Let’s go and kick some a**.”

Hogg emphasized the importance of engaging young voters and taking concrete action on gun violence, stating, “Let’s go win our young people back, and let’s stop sending just our thoughts and prayers to address gun violence, and do something. Are you ready to do that? Because together, we can make school shooter drills history, and not headlines.”