David Hogg under fire from fellow Democrats for using DNC contact lists to fundraise for personal PAC

David Hogg, recently appointed as vice chairman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), is facing criticism from within his own party for allegedly using DNC resources to solicit donations for his personal political action committee (PAC). The practice, while not against the rules, is being frowned upon by his critics within the party.

According to a report by the New York Post, Hogg has sent fundraising messages to DNC contact lists, directing recipients to donate to his PAC, from which he reportedly earns over $100,000 per year. One of the eight messages sent to the DNC database read: “David Hogg here: I was just elected DNC Vice Chair! This is a huge win for our movement to make the Democratic Party more reflective of our base: youthful, energetic, and ready to win.” 

The texts included a link to Hogg’s “Leaders We Deserve” PAC.

The move has sparked backlash among some party officials. One top Democrat reportedly told the New York Post, “David Hogg — talk about living up to your name. A trough of DNC dollars all for him and he doesn’t seem to give an oink.”

Hogg co-founded Leaders We Deserve in August 2023 with the stated goal of electing young progressive candidates. Since then, he has personally earned more than $175,000 from the PAC. While his fundraising tactics don't violate official DNC rules, some officials claim it's an ethical issue.

“It’s especially important for all Democratic national officials to focus on raising support for the party and not using their position to raise money for themselves or their personal political PACS,” another senior Democratic Party official said. “It’s a stunning lack of judgment that is concerning to many people.”

The 24-year-old was appointed as the party’s vice chair less than two weeks ago. Hogg gained national attention for his activism against gun rights following the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Hogg was a student at the school. He has also been a vocal advocate for radical left-wing initiatives such as defunding the police and abolishing the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. 

“I mean it’s just very frustrating to be in a party in desperate need of increased accountability for our struggling leadership, and watch someone who is never held accountable ascend to leadership,” said Cameron Kasky, who was also a Stoneman Douglas survivor.

Hogg responded to the report by saying he “was not doing any interviews,” per the New York Post. A spokesperson later commented, “David has already raised money for the DNC since becoming Vice Chair, and many times before.”