MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
Washington Democrats offer our deep condolences to the families, friends, and communities that lost loved ones in the aircraft collision in Washington, D.C earlier this week. Our hearts break for those impacted by this tragedy. The brave first responders who have been working so hard to locate survivors have our everlasting gratitude and respect. While so much about this incident is unknown, now is not the time to cast blame or engage in conspiracy theorizing. Now is the time to mourn those lost and pray for those who loved them.
Now back to our regular updates:
It’s Friday, Washington Democrats!
Working for Washington
Last week was a whirlwind and not just because President Trump has taken a wrecking ball to our democracy. Washington Democrats will continue to resist the Trump administration’s undemocratic and unconstitutional overreach as we seek to protect our communities:
Governor Bob Ferguson signed an Executive Order creating a team to focus on responding to the potential separation of migrant families.
Attorney General Nick Brown secured a nationwide injunction against the end of birthright citizenship.
OSPI Superintendent Chris Reykdal sent immigration guidance to school districts on how to best protect their students from Trump’s deportation policies.
And U.S. Senator Murray has been hammering back on the lies and extremism of Trump’s cabinet picks and cronies in Congress. Our Congressional champions also led the charge to ensure congressionally approved grant funding continue to be distributed – Trump’s OMB had to rescind its order freezing all grant funds thanks to our resistance!
Truly, Washington state is the epicenter of the resistance to Trump 2.0!
Last weekend was also the first meeting of 2025 for the Washington State Democrats Central Committee in Tacoma! This was the re-organization meeting where State Committee Members elected the State Party’s officers and came together to discuss issues and policies. I was honored and privileged to receive the unanimous backing of State Committee Members for a second two-year term as Chair of the Washington Democrats. The State Committee also unanimously voted to elect Vice Chair John Thompson, Secretary Diane Young, and Treasurer David Green.
I was also honored to receive the unanimous endorsement of Washington Democrats in my bid to become Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee. Thank you to everyone who came out to Tacoma to build our party infrastructure, create the connections that help us organize, and resist the terrible policies and ideology of Trump and his billionaire-class sycophants.
Resources for Resistance
We must be prepared to protect our friends and neighbors from illegal searches and incarceration. As Trump policy directives come into focus, it is more important than ever that we stick together and fight back. Please share the resources below, and if you have ideas on other organizations or services we should be spotlighting – please don’t hesitate to send them to chair@wa-democrats.org.
If you see ICE activity taking place or any marked vehicles, please report it immediately to Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network at 1-844-724-3737.
Know your rights. Do not open the door. “ICE warrants” authorities may claim to have are not legal to enter your home. ICE warrants must be signed by a local judge to enter your home.
If you need legal assistance, call the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project at 1-800-445-5771
Services for immigrants:
Chinese Information & Service Center
East African Community Services
The International Rescue Committee in Seattle
Jewish Family Services – 253-850-4065
Archdiocese of Seattle – 206-274-3194
DNC Vice Chair
This is it! Tomorrow, DNC members will vote on officer elections. I am running to bring the winning practices and strategies that Washington Democrats have used to build a majority coalition in our state to the national party. You can watch the elections tomorrow on the DNC Youtube channel here. Win or lose, I will be doing everything I can to help the Democratic National Committee learn from Washington’s success so it can be replicated across the country.
I am honored to have the endorsements of both of Washington’s U.S. Senators along with the vast majority of Democratic office holders in our state. We know what wins in Washington and now it’s time to ensure the national party takes our lessons and runs with them.
Democrats in the News
Ferguson launches WA team to help children whose parents are deported, The Washington State Standard
Trump order pausing federal grants is ‘illegal’ overreach, says Sen. Murray, The Seattle Times
OSPI sends immigration guidance to WA schools amid Trump orders, The Seattle Times
What I’m Reading
Senate Democrats ready formal resolution to condemn Trump’s pardons of Jan. 6 defendants, CBS News Senators Cantwell and Murray are working alongside every Senate Democrat to ensure that Republicans must defend Trump’s dangerous pardon of violent convicted criminals who took part in the January 6, 2021 insurrection. While we may not be in power to pass legislation nationally, we can force Republicans to defend the dangerous overreach of the Trump administration.
Thanks for all you do,
Chair Shasti Conrad
Washington State Democratic Party
We sincerely thank you for your help and support.
Washington State Democrats PO Box 4027 Seattle, WA 98194 United States