The Democratic National Committee‘s possible removal of Vice Chairman David Hogg has ignited an internal firestorm, splitting party members over what some say is a sham attempt to quash a young leader.

The DNC vice chair used his organization Leaders We Deserve to back liberal state Sen. Robert Peters in an open congressional race in Illinois. Hogg has drawn criticism over his strategy of involving himself in primaries.

David Hogg was elected a DNC vice chair, but a losing candidate challenged the results, citing procedural bias against women.