WEBSITE TITLE:The Democratic National Committee is preparing a high-stakes internal vote that could reshape its leadership team in the coming weeks.

Top party officials will decide between June 9 and June 11 whether to remove David Hogg and Pennsylvania State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta from their DNC vice chair roles, amid controversy that combines bureaucratic concerns and ideological tensions, as The Independent reports.

The vote follows a procedural dispute stemming from a complaint filed in February. The complaint alleged that the election of Hogg and Kenyatta violated DNC rules on gender diversity, prompting party leaders to consider a revote. Both leaders may be replaced if a majority of voting members support the measure.

If approved, the removal would trigger two rounds of follow-up elections. A new male vice chair would be elected between June 12 and June 14. Another vote open to candidates of any gender would then follow, taking place June 15 through June 17.

Hogg, a prominent gun control activist and co-founder of March for Our Lives, was elected as a DNC vice chair earlier this year. However, he now finds himself at the center of party infighting, in part due to his recent pledge to fund primary challengers against sitting Democrats. His organization, Leaders We Deserve, has committed to investing $20 million in these races.

Power struggle takes center stage

Though the DNC insists that the planned leadership vote stems solely from procedural concerns, Hogg has voiced suspicion about the timing.

He argued that this decision cannot be separated from his efforts to promote internal party reforms and increased youth engagement. “It’s impossible to ignore the broader context of my work to reform the party which loomed large over this vote,” he said.

Hogg criticized the effort to revisit the election process, warning it could damage the public’s trust in the party's ability to manage its internal affairs. “If we’re to redo this election, it truly just sends a horrible message that we do not want out there at this moment,” he said in a statement.

He further claimed that the process has provided a way to expedite his ousting. According to Hogg, “The DNC pledged to remove me, and this vote has provided an avenue to fast-track that effort.”

Kenyatta pushes back

Kenyatta, the other official at risk of removal, has expressed frustration with how the controversy has unfolded in the media. While not dismissing the seriousness of the procedural issue, Kenyatta emphasized that the situation should not revolve solely around Hogg. “This story is complex, and I’m frustrated -- but it’s not about @davidhogg111,” he stated on social media.

He also requested that, should a new vice chair election be held, the DNC host a virtual candidate forum. He argued that transparency would be essential in such a charged environment. His call for increased discussion highlights the growing demand for accountability within the party's leadership.

The disagreement between the party’s leadership and its youth factions reflects broader ideological divides within the Democratic base. Those aligned with establishment figures are emphasizing rules, while reform-minded members accuse them of resisting change.

Bylaw proposals could alter future roles

In response to the internal discord, DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee Chair Ken Martin has introduced a proposal that could affect future leadership races. Martin’s bylaw change would require DNC officers to remain neutral in primary contests. A vote on that rule is scheduled for August.

The proposed neutrality requirement gestures toward concerns about leaders using their positions to influence election outcomes. If passed, the rule would create clearer boundaries for party officials active in intra-party disputes.

The proposed change appears to respond, in part, to activism from groups like Hogg's Leaders We Deserve, which plans to challenge Democrats they view as underperforming or out of touch. The spending effort has elevated Hogg’s profile -- and his critics within the party.

Hogg finds unlikely ally amid party divide

While many of Hogg’s critics come from his party, a notable voice from across the aisle has expressed support. Former Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy praised the young activist during a Fox News segment earlier this month.

“He’s right, and he’s young, he’s smart, and he’s going to be around,” McCarthy said, suggesting that the controversy will only grow Hogg’s political influence. He also accused Democrats of stifling internal competition, stating, “They don’t believe in allowing Democrats to pick who should lead them.”

The unexpected endorsement from a senior Republican underscores Hogg’s rising national prominence -- even as it highlights the fractures within his ranks. As the DNC readies for its June vote, the outcome could have lasting implications not just for leadership but also for the ideological direction of the party.