Democrats try to head off intra-party challenges

WASHINGTON: The head of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) on Thursday issued a warning to a senior party official to back away from plans to help finance progressive primary challenges to Democratic incumbents running for re-election in the 2026 midterm elections, according to media reports.

- 

"No DNC officer should ever attempt to influence the outcome of a primary election, whether on behalf of an incumbent or a challenger," newly-elected DNC Chair Ken Martin told reporters.

Mr Martin’s broadside was aimed at DNC Vice Chair David Hogg, who has said that he would raise money through an outside group, “Leaders We Deserve”, to foster such challenges.

That message came with the warning that Mr Hogg could get involved in Democratic primary campaigns — but not while holding down a DNC job.

The party is weighing a possible rules change that would facilitate the firings of DNC officials for such outside activities.