David Hogg’s progressive PAC, Leaders We Deserve, faces scrutiny after spending millions of dollars on non-campaign expenses while pledging to channel $20 million into supporting younger Democratic candidates. Despite the ambitious financial promise, a recent report revealed that the PAC allocated only $455,000 to three candidates in competitive primary races during the initial months of 2025. Instead, it funneled significant resources into political consulting, online advertising, and even fitness classes — expenditures totaling nearly $4 million. This raises questions about the effectiveness of their strategy and the commitment to their original mission.
Details from federal campaign filings show the stark contrast between the PAC’s promised funding and its actual expenditures. Around $2.5 million went to consultants, while over $1.1 million was spent on digital ads. Additionally, nearly $965,000 was invested in building donor lists, with a surprising $5,000 dedicated to ClassPass, a subscription service for fitness classes. These choices reflect a concerning prioritization of overhead over direct candidate support.
Hogg, who previously served as vice chair for the Democratic National Committee, has positioned himself as a disruptor aiming to challenge entrenched incumbents. He stated, “I ran to be DNC vice chair to help make the Democratic Party better, not to defend an indefensible status quo.” However, skepticism about his PAC’s spending habits has arisen, particularly from figures within the party. New York State Senator James Skoufis noted the inconsistency in Hogg’s approach, pointing out that at the current rate, he would need to raise an improbable $3 billion to fulfill his $20 million promise to candidates.
Furthermore, the candidates the PAC supported faced significant setbacks. For instance, Deja Foxx, a social media influencer backed by Leaders We Deserve, lost her special election primary by a staggering 39 percentage points. Similarly, Irene Shin’s candidacy suffered a major defeat in the Democratic primary she entered. With losses piling up, the efficacy of Hogg’s strategic approach is called into question.
As of the end of August, Leaders We Deserve claimed to have $1.6 million remaining in its funds. Hogg and his team assert that their investment strategy will ultimately prove beneficial, with expectations of generating $3 to $5 for every dollar spent. Kevin Lata, co-founder and executive director of the PAC, defended these expenditures, stating, “We provide a wellness benefit to our employees, like many employers across the country.” However, critics challenge whether this approach aligns with the PAC’s goals and whether it will translate into real-world electoral gains.
Leaders We Deserve’s spending patterns and the outcomes of its supported candidates suggest a disconnect between the organization’s ambitions and its operational reality. The tensions within the Democratic Party remain palpable, especially as Hogg’s initiatives could potentially widen existing rifts between progressive and moderate factions. With calls for significant changes ringing through the ranks, this PAC’s financial path will be pivotal to watch as the political landscape evolves. Hogg’s leadership and its impact on the party’s future depend heavily on the PAC’s ability to pivot from ambitious pledges to actionable and effective support for candidates who align with its goals.
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