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SEATTLE Wash., January 6, 2022—Washington State Democrat Chair Tina Podlodowski announced Wednesday that she will be stepping down as chair for the state party after six years of consecutive wins under her leadership.

“We have gone from a 1-seat minority in the State Senate to a 9-seat majority, a two-seat majority in the State House to an 18-seat majority, easily ensuring a “blue triple” for years to come,” Podlodowski said.

Podlodowski, the daughter of two naturalized U.S. citizens who fled post-WWII Europe as refugees, has spent her life fighting for equity and equality. Prior to her leadership as Chair, she was a former Microsoft executive and Seattle City Councilwoman. Tina Podlodowski also is the Chair of the DNC Western States Caucus, and a member of the Executive Committee of the Association of State Democratic Party Chairs.

“Upon consultation with my family over the Holiday break, I’ve decided to not run for re-election as State Party Chair, but instead pass the torch to a new generation of leaders ready to use that torch to light the fires of democracy and teamwork and community around our state,” Podlodowski said.

Below is a copy of the email Chair Tina Podlodowski sent to staff announcing her resignation. Following the email is a copy of an attachment letter detailing the accomplishment of Podlodowski’s leadership and the political position of the Democrat Party within Washington state.

Dear Democrats,

Thank you for all you do to advance the efforts of the Democratic Party in Washington State. It’s been a pleasure to work with you over the past six years and I’m proud of all we have achieved and will continue to achieve together.

When I first ran for State Party Chair in 2017, I didn’t come for the title or to build a resume – I promised to work hard and make transformational change, born of over thirty years’ experience as an activist, elected official, organizational, and community leader. The unofficial job description is just two words: “Elect Democrats.” I believe I have delivered on that promise for these past six years – and it has been an honor to serve in this position.

Today, I want to announce that upon consultation with my family over the Holiday break, I’ve decided to not run for re-election as State Party Chair this January. This was not an easy decision, but I feel strongly that I have accomplished what I set out to do and it is now time to pass the torch to a new generation of leaders ready to light the fires of democracy, teamwork, and community around our state.

I have attached a longer letter elaborating further on this decision and our accomplishments as a Party over the past several years which I hope you will take the time to read.

I will be serving out my term until a new Chair is elected on Saturday, January 28th at our State Committee Meeting in Olympia. Do stay tuned for more news on the meeting as well.

Thank you again for your partnership and work for our Party – and please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or would like to speak further. I look forward to seeing many of you in Olympia later this month and am excited for all that is to come for our terrific Democratic Party.

With Gratitude,
Tina

Author: Lynnwood Times Staff