David Hogg’s Fundraising Struggles

David Hogg hasn’t made significant headway yet.

A couple of months ago, the former Democratic National Committee vice-chair stirred up excitement among Democrats by pledging to launch a $20 million initiative from his grassroots PAC aimed at challenging incumbents in safe Democratic districts.

But there’s a small hiccup.

Currently, he has just $1.5 million available, according to Federal Election Commission records from May.

To make matters worse, the PAC hasn’t seen that kind of funding in two years, having raised only $848,000 most recently and spent about $798,000 during the same period. Nearly three-quarters of this spending appears tangled up in operational costs like travel, salaries, consulting, and meals.

This includes over $10,000 directly allocated to Hogg himself.

“David Hogg embarked on an ambitious mission to secure funds for the PAC, spending more on consultants who share negative narratives about the party than on candidates who can actually make a difference,” one critic noted.

“This raises serious concerns for donors and activists who might feel misled.”

He made waves again last Friday, just before the big primary in New York City, endorsing socialist mayoral candidate Zoran Mamdani, whom he refers to as “genuine.”

Considering his current fundraising pace, many doubt whether Hogg can reach the $20 million goal that has caused divisions within the party.

Out of the $798,000 spent in May, only a mere $6,000 went toward supporting actual candidates.

“At this rate, he might need to pull in over $3 billion to hit that $20 million mark for the frontrunners. This should definitely be scrutinized,” another critic remarked.

The ambitious goal of $20 million was set for the “We Deserve” PAC when it launched in 2023, but in total, only $15.3 million has been raised since then, all but the $1.5 million already spent. During this time, Hogg pocketed around $225,000 from the PAC, according to FEC records.

The PAC didn’t outline a clear spending plan, and Hogg has shown a keen interest in the midterm elections in 2026 during recent media appearances.

However, it’s evident that his PAC is lacking sufficient funds at this moment.

“If this continues, it looks more like a dysfunction than a strategy,” remarked high-ranking Democrats outside the DNC. “He could benefit more from an internship than running a PAC.”

“The only thing David Hogg has succeeded in is drawing attention to himself. He hasn’t contributed meaningfully or supported anyone,” another comment read.

This unexpected financial situation has frustrated party insiders, especially since Hogg has tapped into the DNC donor list for personal fundraising.

Typically, DNC leaders are expected to raise funds for the party instead of diverting resources for personal agendas.

“Many nonprofits with influential grassroots connections are losing key support from our leaders who are more focused on their narratives than on fostering collective efforts,” stated Cameron Cusky, a former schoolmate of Hogg’s.

Hogg came into the spotlight following the tragic Parkland shooting that took the lives of 17 individuals. He was appointed one of three vice chairs of the DNC in February.

During his short time in this role, Hogg has had his share of controversies, particularly regarding his focus on external operations. Tensions escalated in April when he stated he would target incumbent Democrats he deemed ineffective.

Hogg claimed his approach would prioritize competence over age or ideology, while also avoiding competitive races that might jeopardize the party’s chances against Republicans.

This creates a backdrop of immediate backlash as the DNC grapples with the looming 2024 election and the need to regain momentum against Trump’s campaign.

DNC Chairman Ken Martin commented on the necessity of neutrality, stating the party should not interfere in primaries and should respect voter choice.

Earlier this month, leaked audio captured Martin expressing frustration, saying, “You didn’t mean for this to happen, but you significantly undermined your chance to demonstrate the leadership we need.”

In May, the DNC Credentials Committee found that Hogg and another vice-chair had been inappropriately elected due to violations of gender parity rules, prompting calls for a new election. Hogg opted to step back on June 11, citing deep disagreements with party leadership.

This article reached out to representatives of Hogg and others involved for comments.