Democrat activist David Hogg is facing scrutiny after reports revealed that his political action committee, Leaders We Deserve, has raised millions in donations — but spent very little of it directly supporting political candidates.
According to a report from the New York Post, only about $455,000 of the PAC’s funds went to political candidates, with $300,000 of that sum directed to New York City mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani, a left-wing Democrat who reportedly didn’t need the support.
Meanwhile, over $2.5 million from Leaders We Deserve went to political consultants, $1.1 million was used for digital advertising, and nearly $965,000 was spent acquiring donor mailing lists. Hogg also reportedly billed donors $5,000 for a personal fitness class subscription.
Hogg launched Leaders We Deserve in 2023, vowing to spend $20 million to challenge moderate Democrats and push the party further left. However, his promise to take down sitting incumbents led to his removal from the Democratic National Committee. Since then, his PAC’s expenditures appear to have benefited consultants and vendors more than the candidates he pledged to support.
The Post described the organization’s finances as typical of Washington’s political ecosystem, where consultants and strategists often reap the rewards of grassroots fundraising efforts. “Washington is a frothing ecosystem of influencers, lobbyists, consultants, politicians, organizers, etc., paying and billing each other in the name of greater causes,” the outlet noted.
Critics argue that Hogg has capitalized on his political fame for personal gain. The 24-year-old activist rose to prominence after the 2018 Parkland school shooting, later parlaying his national profile into a Harvard education, media appearances, and a network of high-dollar donors.
Despite his rhetoric about reforming politics, Leaders We Deserve’s financial trail paints a familiar picture — one where big promises and donor dollars end up fueling self-promotion rather than political change.
