David Hogg is a well-known gun-control activist and a survivor of the 2018 Parkland public school shooting. He’s upending the political establishment in the process. Hogg’s appointment comes on the heels of his election to vice-chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). He is the first member of Generation Z to reach this milestone. As advocates demand more action on gun violence, he’s getting more attention. This wave of focus comes on the heels of a recent mass shooting in Michigan.
On February 20, 2023, Hogg addressing students in Michigan State University. This was a stunning coincidence that occurred only a week after the shooting that killed four people at Michigan’s State Capitol. The gathering highlighted the urgent need for legislative change in gun policies, a sentiment echoed by many but met with hesitation from Democratic leadership regarding Hogg’s bold strategies.
Despite this resistance, Hogg is determined to continue fighting for what he believes in and strive for legislative change. His engagement with youth and ability to mobilize protests has galvanized support among younger voters who demand action against gun violence.
American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten has announced her resignation. She resigned after being denied renomination for a powerful post on the DNC’s finance committee. Her departure signals growing discontent within the party over its direction and effectiveness in addressing pressing issues.
These are new times. They deserve new strategies. We need to adapt to the urgency of this time,” Lee Saunders intoned. He told FAST that Hogg’s voice and others are the future and that the DNC must change to reflect these progressive voices.
In New York, Zohran Mamdani has passed major milestones on his underdog campaign to become the city’s first Muslim mayor. His recent victory against former Cuomo Governor Andrew Cuomo — once unbeatable — is proof of the changing political winds. Cuomo’s concession came after it was clear that Mamdani was able to receive an impressive amount of support from voters.
Cuomo’s defeat is indicative of a larger trend within the Democratic Party. Now, internal factions are going public on record detailing their disappointment with leadership. The majority of party members recognize that change needs to happen. Others are unwilling to go all in on the radical solutions sought by new leaders of the movement such as Hogg and Mamdani.
Hogg is a vocal advocate for gun control reform. Meanwhile, influencers like Donald Trump tend to surround us with walls that ignore our most pressing challenges. Trump stressed his unequivocal commitment to NATO’s mutual defense provision, Article 5, saying that “We are with them all the way.” He took a moment to personally address the continuing hostilities in Gaza. His comments on military strategy underscore the competing priorities in U.S. foreign policy during these heightened tensions.
Trump has previously criticized NATO allies for not spending enough. According to Dyer, “I’ve been pushing them to raise it up to five percent for several years… so I think that’s going to be very big news.” His admirable focus on reinforcing NATO’s purpose suggests an instinct to rally allies against dangerous outside forces.
Although the political landscape may change and new leaders rise, the dialogue between gun control and international relations continues to be important and necessary. That’s why Hogg’s activism and Mamdani’s rise are emblematic of an exciting generational shift that is roiling American politics.