by A Democratic National Committee (DNC) subcommittee recommended a redo of a controversial vice-chair vote from February, following claims that the process disadvantaged female candidates. The recommendation could lead to a new election for the vice-chair positions currently held by David Hogg, the Florida activist, and Malcolm Kenyatta, the Pennsylvania state legislator. However, the change will only happen if the full DNC body approves the motion.
The challenge was initiated by Kalyn Free, an Oklahoma Democratic Committeewoman who ran for vice chair but was not elected. Free argued that the voting process in February gave unfair advantages to Hogg and Kenyatta. Specifically, she claimed that the combined ballot for the final two vice-chair spots made it difficult for members to fully consider all candidates, as the DNC’s gender balance rule required that at least one man be elected to the final two positions.
The voting process for the three vice-chair positions occurred as part of a multi-hour meeting, with the gender balance rule requiring the executive committee to achieve as equal a split as possible between men and women. In a last-minute change, the DNC opted to combine the ballots for the final two vice-chair spots instead of holding separate votes for each position. As a result, Hogg and Kenyatta were the only two male candidates left, and the combined vote gave them an advantage.
Free contended that had the votes been separated, members could have voted differently, which may have led to a more balanced outcome. However, Hogg and Kenyatta’s representatives disagreed, arguing that the decision to combine the ballots was within the party’s right to streamline the process.
This procedural issue could have significant ramifications for Hogg, especially considering his push for reforms within the party. Hogg’s actions have been controversial, as he advocates for primary challenges against incumbent Democrats. The dispute also comes at a time when DNC Chairman Ken Martin is promoting a reform to ensure party neutrality during primary elections.
Hogg addressed the issue in a statement, emphasizing that the controversy was about the handling of the election process, not the conduct of himself or Kenyatta. He remarked that the vote was part of a broader effort to challenge the party’s status quo, which he believes has caused voters to move away from the Democratic Party.
