David Hogg’s PAC Faces Scrutiny Over Spending Practices
In a striking turn of events, Leaders We Deserve, a political action committee (PAC) led by prominent activist David Hogg, has come under fire for its financial allocations. Despite an ambitious pledge to invest $20 million in supporting younger, progressive candidates, recent reports reveal that the PAC has spent a significant portion of its funds on political consultants, advertising, and even fitness classes, raising questions about its commitment to grassroots political engagement.
Financial Breakdown Raises Eyebrows
According to federal campaign filings reviewed by Axios, Leaders We Deserve allocated only $455,000 to support three candidates in competitive Democratic primary races during the first eight months of 2025. In stark contrast, the PAC’s expenditures included approximately $2.5 million on consultants, $1.1 million on digital advertising, and nearly $965,000 on building donor lists. Notably, the PAC also spent around $5,000 on a subscription to ClassPass, a fitness class service, which has drawn particular criticism.
Kevin Lata, co-founder and executive director of Leaders We Deserve, defended the spending, stating, “We provide a wellness benefit to our employees, like many employers across the country.” He further asserted that the PAC’s investments are designed to yield a return of $3 to $5 for every dollar spent, suggesting a long-term strategy aimed at maximizing donor contributions.
Candidates Supported and Their Outcomes
Leaders We Deserve has made contributions to various candidates, including a notable $300,000 to New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. However, the effectiveness of these contributions has been called into question, particularly following the PAC’s $150,000 investment in House candidate Deja Foxx, a 25-year-old social media influencer and progressive activist who suffered a significant defeat in the Democratic special election primary, losing by 39 percentage points. Similarly, Irene Shin, who received $5,000 from the PAC, also faced a substantial loss in her primary race.
These outcomes highlight a growing concern among political observers regarding the efficacy of the PAC’s financial strategy. Critics argue that the funds could have been better utilized to support candidates with a more viable chance of success, particularly in a political landscape that increasingly favors established incumbents.
Hogg’s Ambitious Goals and Political Landscape
David Hogg, who gained national prominence as a gun control advocate following the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018, has positioned himself as a key figure in the Democratic Party’s push for progressive change. In June, he served as vice chair for the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and made headlines by pledging to use Leaders We Deserve to challenge older Democrats in safe blue districts. Hogg’s commitment to reforming the party’s image and policies resonates with a younger demographic that feels increasingly disillusioned with traditional political structures.
However, Hogg’s tenure at the DNC has not been without controversy. Following a vote by the DNC Credentials Committee to elevate challenges to the vice chairs’ leadership positions, Hogg expressed frustration, stating, “I ran to be DNC vice chair to help make the Democratic Party better, not to defend an indefensible status quo.” This sentiment reflects a broader struggle within the party, as younger activists seek to reshape its direction amid concerns that it has become disconnected from the needs and desires of its constituents.
Criticism from Within and Outside the Party
The financial practices of Leaders We Deserve have not gone unnoticed by fellow politicians. New York state Senator James Skoufis publicly mocked Hogg’s spending, suggesting that the PAC’s current trajectory would require raising over $3 billion to fulfill its $20 million pledge. His comments underscore a growing skepticism about the PAC’s ability to deliver on its promises, particularly in a political environment where financial transparency and accountability are paramount.
As the PAC prepares to announce additional endorsements, the scrutiny surrounding its spending habits may influence its future operations. Political analysts suggest that Hogg and his team must recalibrate their approach to fundraising and candidate support if they hope to maintain credibility within the party and among potential donors.
The Broader Implications for Progressive Politics
The situation surrounding Leaders We Deserve serves as a microcosm of the challenges facing progressive movements within the Democratic Party. As younger activists push for change, they must navigate a complex landscape marked by entrenched interests and established political norms. The effectiveness of PACs like Leaders We Deserve will ultimately depend on their ability to balance ambitious goals with practical strategies that resonate with voters.
In a time when political engagement is increasingly driven by grassroots movements and social media, the financial decisions made by organizations like Leaders We Deserve will be closely scrutinized. The outcomes of upcoming elections will likely serve as a litmus test for the effectiveness of Hogg’s approach and the broader progressive agenda.
Conclusion
As Leaders We Deserve continues to navigate the political landscape, the scrutiny over its spending practices highlights the complexities of modern political fundraising and candidate support. David Hogg’s commitment to fostering a new generation of progressive leaders is commendable, but the effectiveness of his PAC will ultimately depend on its ability to translate financial resources into tangible electoral success. The coming months will be critical as the PAC seeks to redefine its strategy and regain the trust of its supporters in a rapidly evolving political environment.
