David Hogg, a gun control activist who rose to prominence following the 2018 Parkland school shooting, has declared his candidacy for vice chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). Hogg, now 24, claims his primary goal is to re-engage young voters who have drifted toward Republican candidates, including President-elect Donald Trump.
Hogg’s announcement comes after significant shifts in youth voting patterns during the 2024 election. Exit polls conducted by NBC News indicated that Trump captured a larger share of the youth vote than any Republican candidate since 2008. This trend poses a serious challenge for Democrats, who historically relied on strong support from young voters.
In his statement, Hogg emphasized the need for renewed youth outreach, saying, “Moving forward, we must have a renewed focus on our youth outreach in all states and territories to rebuild our coalition after the massive shift to the right among young voters this election.” To secure his position, Hogg has reportedly emailed all 448 active members of the DNC who will cast ballots and is actively scheduling follow-up conversations.
Despite his intentions, Hogg faces skepticism regarding his ability to appeal to young voters, particularly those who backed Trump. His controversial rise to fame and polarizing views on gun control have made him a target of criticism from conservatives, who question his experience and motivations.
Hogg’s candidacy reflects broader challenges within the Democratic Party. Many on the right view his bid as indicative of the party’s struggle to resonate with younger, more diverse, and increasingly conservative-leaning voters. The outcome of his campaign for vice chair could signal the direction Democrats take in addressing these voter shifts and rebuilding their base.
