David Hogg PAC Spends Millions on Consultants Amid Limited Candidate Support

David Hogg's political action committee, Leaders We Deserve, pledged to spend $20 million supporting younger, progressive Democratic candidates but has faced criticism for its spending priorities and lackluster results. While the PAC has spent only about $455,000 backing three candidates in tough Democratic primaries, it has allocated millions to political consultants, digital ads, donor list building, and even wellness benefits like fitness classes. Of the three candidates backed, only New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani won, while others such as Deja Foxx and Irene Shin suffered significant losses. Leaders We Deserve's executive director, Kevin Lata, defended these expenditures by stating that investments in consultants and wellness programs aim to maximize donor contributions and enhance campaign efficiency. Despite raising over $15 million since its 2023 launch, the PAC's high operating costs and limited direct candidate support have drawn skepticism and criticism from political observers and some within the Democratic Party. The group's approach highlights tensions in progressive circles about campaign spending effectiveness and priorities.