WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 11, 2014: Democratic pundit and media personality James Carville speaks in a book talk at the National Press Club. (Photo credit: Al Teich / Shutterstock)
Democratic operative James Carville suggested a new leader for the Democratic National Committee amid reports of infighting and financial catastrophe.
Carville recommended David Hogg, gun control activist and previous vice chair, as a replacement for current chair Ken Martin, The Daily Beast reported on Monday.
The veteran strategist was recovering from surgery and recorded his podcast in bed on Sunday when he made the pitch.
"If David Hogg wants to take it over, then, I ain’t stopping you—go ahead, man," Carville said.
"I did want to...weigh in on two stories I saw,” Carville said, responding to recent reports about mounting pressure on Martin as midterms approach in the fall and fundraising ramps up.
“One...was a story on the DNC that basically said it’s dysfunctional. It’s just difficult to do anything with it. And it’s all true," Carville said.
The New York Times reported on Sunday that Martin has become increasingly isolated and financially strained, noting a phone-throwing incident with a junior aide that triggered an HR complaint. The DNC is $2 million in debt while vendors have reportedly been asked to delay billing until after the midterms. Despite Democrats' favorable political environment, internal distrust, a botched 2024 election "autopsy," and a widening cash gap with Republicans have fueled fears among party officials that Martin's leadership is faltering.
"DNC dysfunctional. Water wet. Gravity real," Carville added.
Carville argued that new leadership in the organization might help the DNC "be somewhat relevant."
Hogg, 26, rose to national prominence as a survivor of the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida. He briefly served as DNC vice chair from February to June 2025 before his election was voided following a clash over his push to primary incumbent Democrats.
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