DNC Elects Shasti Conrad Vice Chair After David Hogg Controversy

Shasti Conrad, Washington State Democratic Party Chair, was elected as the Democratic National Committee's second vice chair following a contentious and prolonged election process prompted by controversy surrounding David Hogg. Hogg, a young progressive and gun control activist, faced backlash within the party for his efforts to primary incumbent Democrats and was ultimately removed from his leadership role after DNC members voted to redo the vice chair elections amid allegations of procedural unfairness raised by Kalyn Free. Conrad won nearly 56% of the runoff vote against Free, becoming the first woman of color and youngest chair in Washington State Democratic Party history, and emphasized her commitment to youth involvement and representing the AAPI community. The drama around Hogg's departure highlighted generational and procedural disputes within the party, with some leaders calling for a focus away from internal conflicts toward broader electoral goals. Malcolm Kenyatta was also reelected as vice chair in the simultaneous elections, marking the filling of the DNC’s last two vice chair positions. Despite the upheaval, Conrad expressed gratitude and readiness to work with party leadership to strengthen and unify the Democratic Party.