The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has moved closer to removing David Hogg from his vice chair position following a procedural complaint raised by Oklahoma DNC member Kalyn Free. The Credentials Committee, which met on Monday, recommended a new election for the post, potentially leading to Hogg’s removal, as well as that of Malcolm Kenyatta, another vice chair whose election was also challenged on similar grounds. Free’s complaint alleged that the party violated its own rules, making it harder for a woman to win the vice chair slot. The committee voted 13-2 to support the complaint, with witnesses, including parliamentary expert Daniel Seabold, influencing the outcome. The full DNC must now approve the recommendation, which could lead to a new election, effectively removing Hogg and Kenyatta from their roles. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions within the party regarding internal governance and reform efforts.
Kalyn Free, who initiated the challenge, argued that the DNC’s procedural errors made it impossible for a woman to win the vice chair position during the February elections. The party’s rules require gender parity, and Free claimed that Kenyatta and Hogg had access to more votes due to these rule violations. Her legal team called in Daniel Seabold, a Hofstra professor and parliamentary procedure expert, to support her argument, which reportedly swayed some committee members. In response, party chair Ken Martin expressed disappointment over the procedural errors, stating that the Credentials Committee’s recommendation must be reviewed carefully. He emphasized the importance of correcting mistakes to protect democratic processes.
The decision could have significant implications for Hogg, who has been at odds with DNC leadership over his plans to challenge fellow Democrats in primary elections. Hogg promised to spend $20 million in Democratic primaries against incumbent House members in safe blue districts, a move that has drawn criticism from DNC chair Ken Martin. Martin issued an ultimatum to Hogg, stating that he must either sign a neutrality pledge or step down from his post. Hogg, meanwhile, has defended his actions, claiming that his efforts to reform the party are central to the conflict. Kenyatta, another vice chair facing potential removal, expressed frustration with the outcome, calling the committee’s decision a