The Democratic National Committee is turning a shade more evergreen. That’s because Shasti Conrad, chair of the Washington State Democratic Party, has won her bid for vice chair of the DNC.
Conrad received nearly 56% of the vote. She noted in a June 20 news release that the race marked the longest election in the DNC’s history.
“As a millennial, I’m committed to creating more opportunities for young people to get involved and become the leaders of today — not just tomorrow,” she said in the release. “And as an AAPI leader, I’m proud to represent America’s fastest-growing voting bloc and ensure we have a seat at every table where decisions are made.”
She continued: “I’m ready to work side by side with Chair (Ken) Martin and Democrats across the country to win elections and live up to the values we all share.”
Now Conrad will help shape the national party’s plan for regaining a congressional majority in next year’s midterms — plus its vision for pushing back against the administration of President Donald Trump.
Conrad recognizes some of the party’s recent shortcomings at the national level. But Washington state, she previously told McClatchy, should be looked to as an example of Democratic success.
“We’re clearly doing something right, because we are winning — and I just wish that sometimes we would get looked at as like, ‘What’s the model here?’” Conrad said late last year.
Looking ahead, Conrad wants to continue amplifying a range of voices and ensuring an inclusive party.
Conrad, who’s reportedly the first South Asian American to land an officer role in the Democratic Party’s national leadership, succeeded in a runoff against Kalyn Free, an Oklahoma-based national committee member. She also prevailed in the initial voting round against Kansas Democratic Party Chair Jeanna Repass.
Friday’s election results announcement came after the DNC had to re-do its February vice-chair elections. Malcolm Kenyatta and David Hogg had originally won the two vice chair spots.
But those races were effectively voided following a complaint that the DNC neglected to abide by its own gender-parity rules in officer elections, according to the Washington State Standard.
Hogg, a young gun-control activist, opted against running for a seat after fielding flak from his party over his efforts to help back progressive challengers to Democratic incumbents. That meant Pennsylvania state Rep. Kenyatta was the only eligible contender for the male vice-chair seat, which he subsequently secured.
SOURCE: This article was authored by Simone Carter of the Washington State Standard part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.
Author: Washington State Standard
