Leaders We Deserve, the group led by Democratic National Committee (DNC) Vice Chair David Hogg, is getting involved in the race to replace the late Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) as Hogg grapples with tensions in the national party.
The group, aimed at elevating young progressives, backed Virginia state Del. Irene Shin for the 11th Congressional District, with Hogg praising her as “an incredible progressive leader” who is “committed to doing things differently.
In turn, Shin also offered praise to the embattled Hogg.
“He’s never backed down from a tough fight — exactly the kind of bold leadership we need right now,” she said of the 25-year-old gun control activist in the release from Leaders We Deserve.
The group’s endorsement is its second since announcing plans earlier this year to spend $20 million to primary House Democrats in safe seats with the aim of electing a new generation of leaders.
The plan has frustrated party leaders, prompting DNC Chair Ken Martin to stress that the committee’s officers should stay neutral in primaries.
The new endorsement from Hogg’s group comes after leaked audio over the weekend revealed Martin growing increasingly exasperated with the 25-year-old, arguing that his primary threats were making his job harder. It also comes amid growing discontent with Hogg from other Democrats, some of whom argue the drama surrounding him is a distraction.
The drama is unfolding against the backdrop of a vote being held by DNC members this week on whether to redo the vice chair elections.
Shin is one of several Democrats in the crowded race for the blue Northern Virginia district, which includes the city of Fairfax and most of Fairfax County, alongside state Sen. Stella Pekarsky (D), Fairfax County planning commissioner Candice Bennett, Fairfax County Supervisor James Walkinshaw and others.
Shin had launched her campaign with an emphasis on “generational change,” a framing that many younger Democratic candidates are using as they look toward the 2026 midterms.
Connolly, who had represented the Virginia district since 2009, passed away last month after a short battle with cancer. Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) has set the special election to fill his seat for Sept. 9.
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