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The Democratic Party is facing fresh internal turmoil as Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Ken Martin is reportedly on the verge of resigning, citing mounting frustration over Vice Chairman David Hogg’s aggressive push to challenge incumbent Democrats in primary elections.
According to a Politico report released Sunday, Martin’s dissatisfaction reached a breaking point during a closed-door Zoom meeting held on May 15. During the call, Martin expressed deep concern over Hogg’s strategy of publicly targeting sitting Democratic lawmakers, a move he fears could deepen divisions within the party and undermine its ability to unify ahead of 2026 midterm elections.
“This kind of political infighting weakens the entire Democratic agenda,” Martin reportedly said during the meeting. Sources familiar with the call say he openly questioned whether he could continue to serve as DNC chair if the party leadership failed to present a united front.
At the center of the clash is David Hogg, the high-profile gun control activist turned DNC vice chair, whose recent actions have drawn both praise and criticism. Hogg has used his national platform to push for generational change within the party, backing younger, more progressive challengers to longtime incumbents whom he views as out of step with the base.
Hogg’s supporters argue that his efforts are essential for revitalizing the Democratic Party and ensuring it reflects the priorities of younger voters, especially on issues like gun reform, climate change, and social justice. But critics, including Martin, believe his confrontational tactics risk fracturing the party at a time when unity is essential.
The internal discord comes in the wake of a bruising 2024 election cycle that saw President Joe Biden narrowly lose his bid for re-election to Donald Trump. The loss has sparked intense soul-searching among Democrats, with the party’s progressive and establishment wings increasingly at odds over the path forward.
“This is a critical moment for Democrats,” said one DNC source. “We can’t afford to tear each other apart from the inside, especially when the stakes are this high.”
So far, neither Martin nor Hogg has issued a public statement on the reported tensions. However, the situation underscores the growing generational and ideological rift within the Democratic Party — one that could shape its leadership and direction for years to come.
Whether Martin ultimately steps down remains to be seen, but his threat to resign makes it clear: the battle for the soul of the Democratic Party is far from over.
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