David Hogg Sparks Outrage For Using DNC Contacts To Boost Personal PAC

David Hogg, who was recently named vice chairman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), is facing backlash from within his own party after directing donations to his personal political action committee (PAC) using DNC contact lists. While his actions do not violate any rules, they have led to concerns about ethics and priorities.

The controversy stems from fundraising messages sent by Hogg to DNC contacts, promoting contributions to Leaders We Deserve, a PAC he co-founded in 2023 to support progressive candidates. Since its launch, the PAC has paid Hogg more than $175,000, including over $20,000 in December.

One of the messages 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 message included a link to his PAC’s donation page rather than the DNC’s.

Party officials have expressed frustration over the move, with one Democrat mocking Hogg’s use of DNC resources for his own benefit, saying, “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.” Another party leader called his actions “a stunning lack of judgment.”

Hogg, 24, became a national figure after surviving the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. He later became an activist promoting left-wing policies, including calls to defund police and abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). His leadership appointment has already been met with skepticism from some in the party.

Cameron Kasky, another Parkland survivor, has also voiced disappointment in Hogg’s rapid political rise. “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,” Kasky said.

When contacted for comment, Hogg declined to speak but later had a spokesperson confirm that he has raised money for the DNC as well as his PAC.

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