In June, members of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) will determine whether to re-hold contested elections for the two vice-chair positions.
During a meeting of the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee, it was decided that an electronic vote will occur from June 9-11 to decide if the victories of Pennsylvania Senator Malcolm Kenyatta and activist David Hogg should be re-evaluated, ensuring that candidates who previously lost can’t contest again.
Should the majority favor a new election, the DNC plans to conduct an electronic ballot for the first vice-chairman from June 12-14, followed by a second vote for the second vice-chairman from June 15-17.
Karinfrey, a DNC member from Oklahoma, called for an assignment regarding the vice-chair election results in February after losing out on the position herself.
In a letter to several DNC officials, she remarked, “By including all five candidates, we can present Kenyatta, Hogg, Mr. [Shasti] Conrad, Free, and Mr. [Jeanna] Repass. This process unfairly groups female candidates together for a single vote, resulting in an aggregation of votes in two rounds.”
Both Hogg and Kenyatta voiced their opposition to the idea of another election during the committee meeting on Thursday.
“If we restart this election, we risk undermining the trust that the party has worked hard to build,” Hogg stated. He also emphasized the importance of addressing these issues, asserting that “Democrats can’t repeat the election.”
Kenyatta highlighted that it’s no secret the DNC held fair elections that produced leadership reflecting America’s diversity, which historically included two individuals appointed to under-35 committees.
Some Pennsylvania lawmakers expressed the hope for a virtual forum to evaluate candidates if new elections are pursued.
The consideration to possibly redo the elections stems from Hogg’s ability to attract criticism from some Democrats about investing resources towards party inefficiencies.
DNC Chair Ken Martin emphasized that DNC officeholders should refrain from major initiatives within the party. “I understand what he’s trying to accomplish, but as I told him, if you want to challenge yourself in your current position, you’re free to do so,” he said.
The upcoming vote on potentially redoing the vice-chair elections is unrelated to Hogg’s initiatives; however, the situation underscores the tumultuous beginning of his tenure as a vice-chairman. It reflects rising tensions within the party as they look to regroup following disappointing results from the November election.
