David Hogg, gun control advocate and survivor of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School tragedy, at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 22, 2024. (AFP via Getty Images)
Hogg claimed his vice chair position with 214.5 votes, while Kenyetta had 298. According to the network pool producer at the leadership election, 205 votes were needed to win. Free secured 96. Jeanna Repass had 112, and Shasti Conrad had just 91.5 votes.
DEMOCRATS’ VICE CHAIR IGNITES CIVIL WAR, TARGETING 'ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL' INCUMBENTS IN PRIMARIES
A source familiar shut down Free's allegation, emphasizing to Fox News Digital that the election results weren't even close. But Free accused the DNC of a "fatally flawed election that violated the DNC Charter" in her complaint and requested "two new vice chair elections," according to Semafor.
"By aggregating votes across ballots and failing to distinguish between gender categories in a meaningful way, the DNC’s process violated its own Charter and Bylaws, undermining both fairness and gender diversity," Free wrote.
While Free's complaint was filed before Hogg made headlines this month for his brutal plan to primary incumbent Democrats in deep blue districts, the fallout is the latest blow to the young Democratic leader. Hogg pledged to donate $20 million through his political action committee, Leaders We Deserve, to primary-challenge some older Democrats in blue districts.
Gun violence survivor and activist David Hogg speaks at the March for our Lives rally against gun violence at the National Mall in Washington on June 11, 2022. (Getty Images)
Hogg replied to the news on social media later that day, accusing the DNC of "trying to change the rules because I'm not currently breaking them. As we’re seeing law firms, tech companies, and so many others bowing to Trump, we all must use whatever position of power we have to fight back. And that’s exactly what I'm doing."
"This moment requires us to have the strongest opposition party possible to stop Trump from destroying people’s retirement savings, disappearing people, plunging our economy into oblivion—and to provide a real alternative to the Republican Party for voters that we simply do not have right now," Hogg added.
The move by Hogg comes as Democrats disagree about how to respond to President Donald Trump's first 100 days back in the White House. During an interview with CNN last week, longtime Democratic strategist James Carville ripped Hogg for challenging those within his own party when he could be investing those same funds to "take on a Republican."
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
"The most insane thing I ever heard is the vice chair of the Democratic National Committee is spending $20 million running against other Democrats. Aren't we supposed to run against Republicans?" Carville asked.
Hogg and Free did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
Fox News Digital's Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report.
Deirdre Heavey is a politics writer for Fox News Digital.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/david-hogg-faces-challenge-dnc-role-party-tensions-escalate