WSDCC Wrap-up May 13, 2022

Posted on May 13, 2022

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

This week, the U.S. Senate had the opportunity to codify abortion rights into federal law by passing the Women’s Health Protection Act, but the legislation failed — for the second time — with all 50 Republicans in opposition. We saw our Democratic leaders, Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, stand up for all of Washington and the nation, while the GOP once again put its party’s extreme agenda before the people. Again, I ask you to turn your anger and outrage into action. We must elect pro-choice candidates at every level, from Congress to the state legislature to city halls to local school boards. This is the only way to ensure Washington remains a champion of reproductive rights, especially as more people come to our state because they were denied access to abortion — a basic health care service — in their own. We can’t go back, and by banding together and electing pro-choice Democrats up and down the ballot in every race and every place, we won’t.

WORKING FOR WASHINGTON

Today was the final day of the Association of State Democratic Committees’ second quarterly meeting of 2022. We welcomed all state and territorial party leaders to Washington state, as well as DNC Chair Jaimie Harrison (shown above), and had the opportunity to spotlight the important work Democrats are doing here. It also served as a chance to ensure all of us are working in tandem at a local and national level to create a better future for all, particularly ahead of the 2022 midterm. 

Next week, the candidate filing period opens, signifying the official start of this election cycle. We know how critical it is to retain all of our Democratic majorities, and it’ll take serious work to do that. This is why we’ve been building up our team, so we can see our candidates across the finish line. You can support our efforts by volunteering (you’ll find several opportunities below), whether it’s volunteer recruitment, knocking doors, or helping mobilize voters. If you’d rather make a contribution, you can donate HERE. 


You can also get involved by becoming a Precinct Committee Official, a role responsible for providing information to voters in your neighborhood and being their main point of contact. PCOs also play an integral role in the state party, and elect party leadership, help fill vacancies in elected office, and lead their precinct caucus for two-year terms. Online candidate filing runs from 9 a.m. on May 16 to 4 p.m. May 20 HERE. Find more information at wa-democrats.org/local/pco.

DEMOCRATS IN THE NEWS

Republicans Block Passage of WHPA in U.S. Senate Week After Roe Leak

For a second time, legislation to codify abortion rights into federal law was blocked by Senate Republicans on a 49-51 vote Wednesday, just a week after the Supreme Court’s draft decision overturning Roe v. Wade was leaked. It would’ve guaranteed providers’ ability to perform an abortion and individuals’ right to access one nationwide.

OPINION: “Governing is hard. Politicking isn’t. Here’s how WA is moving forward, together”
In a recent op-ed, Washington State Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins writes, “Good policies and smart investments don’t always get the most media coverage, especially with highly polarizing issues providing a distraction. But governing, not politicking, helped Washington weather the pandemic better than most other states. And it will help us recover better, together.”

Find additional news and more on our website and social media!

STAFF CORNER

MEGAN SIMMONS

How long have you worked for the state party, and what is your role here?
I’m the Digital Manager for the Washington State Democrats! I’ve been with the party since February 2022.
Why are you a Democrat?
I’m a Democrat because I believe in a party that centers the needs of the people when making policy decisions. We deserve forward-thinking, science-based, diverse leadership, and that’s what the Democrats embody.
Why do you enjoy this work?
I enjoy working for the party because young people are trusted to lead here! I’m lucky to be surrounded by a staff of smart, energetic people and leaders who want to hear what we have to say about the most pressing issues of our time.

Know of anyone who’d make a great addition to our staff? Tell them to visit wa-democrats.org/jobs to learn more. And stay tuned for additional announcements! 

SAVE THE DATE

Support Secretary of State Steve Hobbs

  • Join local and state Democratic leaders for a hybrid fundraising event 6:30-8:30 p.m. May 17 in Olympia to support Secretary of State Steve Hobbs’ campaign, hosted by state Sen. Sam Hunt. Special guests include Lt. Gov. Denny Heck, Majority leader Sen. Andy Billig, Chair Tina Podlodowski, and many more. If wishing to attend in person, RSVP to info@electhobbs.com for more information. For a virtual link, RSVP to hobbs@wa-democrats.org.

Lunch with Legislators

  • Chair Tina Podlodowski and state Sen. Marco Liias will discuss transportation issues in Washington state during our latest Lunch with Legislators event 11:30 a.m. May 20. Watch live on Facebook. 

Washington State Democratic Convention

  • Join us for our party’s annual convention June 24-25 at the Tacoma Convention Center. More information will be released soon, including the names of our VIP guests!

GET INVOLVED

For the week of May 13-19:

Learn what’s happening in your neck of the woods HERE.

From now until November, we have to mobilize every Democratic voter in Washington state — and we need your help to accomplish that. Join our incredible team of volunteers!

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

The Washington State Democratic Party, together with the DNC Best Practices Institute, are excited to announce the launch of our 2022 Train the Trainer (T3) Webinar Training Program!

T3 is a free six-week, twelve-part webinar course, covering several aspects of grassroots campaigning. This program seeks to expand the skills of progressive activists and volunteers, by ensuring that comprehensive training is free and accessible for Democrats all over the country.

The T3 trainings are held every Tuesday and Thursday from 4-5 p.m. PST May 24 to June 30. The deadline to register is May 22 at 8:59 p.m. PST. Register HERE today!

Keep in touch, stay engaged, and as always, thank you for all you do!

With gratitude,

Chair Tina Podlodowski
Washington State Democratic Party
Donate
Washington State Democrats
PO Box 4027
Seattle, WA 98194
United States