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The challenge was brought by Oklahoma DNC member Kalyn Free, who argued that the party violated its own rules and made it harder for a woman to be elected vice chair.

Her complaint was filed well before Hogg promised to challenge fellow Democrats.

The committee voted 13-2 on Monday evening after about more than three hours of discussion.

The party’s rules state that the DNC’s governing body should achieve gender parity or get as close to it as is possible. Free argued, according to her initial complaint, which was shared with POLITICO, that Kenyatta and Hogg had access to more votes than Free and two other women running for the slot because the DNC’s rules were not properly followed and “made it impossible” for any woman to win the race.

“I have always known that the Democratic Party is the party of free and fair elections. Today, the credentials committee of the DNC confirmed that correcting mistakes in process, and protecting democracy is more important than saving face,” Free said in a statement after the vote.

Earlier this month, Free told POLITICO her challenge was “about fairness,” and added that her challenge had nothing to do with Hogg’s group funding primary challenges.

“This other thing — $20 million — that’s David’s issue,” she said.

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