The decision comes after a candidate’s challenge over a rules violation triggered by gender requirement considerations.
A Democratic National Committee (DNC) panel that resolves delegate disputes has voted in favor of a resolution to redo voting for two vice chair positions that were filled in a February vote.
The procedural change of filling two positions with just one vote was challenged by one of the candidates in the race.
The panel, known as the DNC Credentials Committee, passed the resolution in a 13–2 vote on May 12. Three members abstained.
The Feb. 1 vote saw candidates Malcolm Kenyatta, a Pennsylvania legislator representing Philadelphia, and David Hogg, an activist from Florida, elected as vice chairs.
The credential committee’s decision means it will now be up to the full 400-plus member DNC to vote on whether to proceed with a reelection for the vice chair positions held by Hogg, 25, and Kenyatta, 34.
Christine Pelosi, a member of the DNC Credentials Committee and California Rep. Nancy Pelosi’s daughter, said in a post on social media platform X that after reviewing the challenge, the committee “found both sides of the arguments compelling.”
“Ultimately, the Credentials Committee voted on a resolution that recommends that the DNC complete the Vice Chair election, and administer new ballots for the final two Vice Chair positions,” she wrote.
A vote could be called anytime before or during the next DNC meeting scheduled for August.
In the meantime, Hogg and Kenyatta will remain as vice chairs.
“The Credentials Committee has issued their recommendation, and I trust that the DNC Members will carefully review the Committee’s resolution and resolve this matter fairly,” newly-elected DNC Chairman Ken Martin said in a statement, in response to the resolution.
“I thank all of our officers for their service, including Vice Chairs Kenyatta and Hogg, and look forward to continuing to work with them in their officer posts as this matter is resolved.”
Procedural Challenge
The challenge was raised by vice chair candidate and Oklahoma Democratic Committeewoman and attorney Kalyn Free, who was among three candidates alongside Hogg and Kenyatta in the race for the last two vice chair positions. Three vice chair positions were to be filled on Feb. 1, and the votes were held at the end of a day-long voting session to fill DNC leadership positions.
By Melanie Sun
