MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
This week, 19 children and two adults were killed in yet another school shooting, the deadliest in our nation since Sandy Hook — the incident that prompted me to re-enter politics a decade ago.
The shooting occurred just a few miles from where I grew up, and I was sitting in my son’s kindergarten classroom as the news broke. In the wake of that tragedy, a group of us came together to start the Alliance for Gun Responsibility to make a difference, and in the time since, we have.
To pass all of the legislation we needed, it was very clear we had to create a better voting system and get more people engaged. This led me to run for Washington Secretary of State. Despite losing, I still wasn’t deterred, and became the Democratic State Party Chair, so we could regain our Democratic majorities and improve our elections. As a result, we saw good policies signed into law, like automatic and same-day voter registration, pre-registration for 16- and 17- year-olds, and postage paid ballots, as well as better gun laws and increased protections for a person’s right to choose.
We’re so lucky to live in a state on the forefront of progressive politics, but there’s still so much to be done to improve the lives of all Washingtonians. November’s general election is in 165 days. As we know all too well, change can happen in an instant. From now until then, we must channel our collective pain into action and do the work to turn out Democratic voters everywhere, so we can continue to make change. The time is now.
WORKING FOR WASHINGTON
Recent events prove just how imperative it is for us to retain our Democratic majorities at the state and federal levels. But to ensure that, we have to band together and work harder than ever before.
On Saturday, June 4, will kick off the 2022 election cycle with the first of many statewide Days of Action in communities across Washington. This is a great opportunity to help build momentum ahead of the midterm, as Democrats knock doors and get voters excited about local candidates.
The event is our biggest of the year, and we’ll need your help to make it a success. Invite everyone in your local area to join (register below). If you can’t attend June 4 and want to support our efforts, you can make a contribution HERE. And be sure to watch for additional Days of Action near you.
DEMOCRATS IN THE NEWS
Washington’s elected leaders react to Texas school shooting Washington Democratic leaders respond to the Uvalde shooting and call for strengthened gun laws at both the state and federal levels. Washington AG weighs in on abortion rights, concealed carry, and Hanford Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson spoke to KUOW on a number of ongoing legal issues, including the leaked Supreme Court draft decision overturning Roe v. Wade. Find additional news and more on our website and social media.
Find additional news and more on our website and social media!
STAFF CORNER
This week, we sent three of our incredible team members — Megan Simmons, Swetha Saravanan, and Nancy Canales-Montiel — to a multi-day training organized by the DNC’s Best Practices Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They had the opportunity to meet staffers from state parties across the country, learn new information to bring back to improve operations in Washington state, and finesse their own skills. We are always looking for opportunities to invest in our staff, and this was a great way to do just that. A big thank you to Megan, Swetha, and Nancy for being such great representatives of the Washington State Democrats!
Know of anyone who’d make a great addition to our team? Tell them to visit wa-democrats.org/jobs to learn more.
SAVE THE DATE
Day of Action Our first of many statewide Days of Action is set for Saturday, June 4, where we’ll knock doors, mobilize our communities, and get voters excited about local candidates. Register now:
- Clark County – Vancouver, 10 a.m. to noon; 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
- King County – Issaquah w/ Chair Tina Podlodowski & Guest Speakers, 10 a.m. to 12:05 p.m
- Snohomish County – Snohomish, 10 a.m. to noon
- Pierce County – Tacoma w/ Rep. Derek Kilmer & Chair Tina Podlodowski, noon to 2:30 p.m.
Stay tuned for more information and add-on locations!
Washington State Democratic Convention Join us for our party’s annual convention June 24-25 at the Tacoma Convention Center. Our Homecoming-themed gala will be the evening of the 25th. More information will be released soon, including the names of our VIP speakers and guests. It’s time to come together Democrats!
GET INVOLVED
For the week of May 27-June 2:
- King County Canvass – Kent, 10 a.m. to noon May 28
- Kitsap County Canvass – Bremerton, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 28
- Pierce County Canvass – Gig Harbor, 10 a.m. to noon May 28
- King County Virtual Phone Bank – Renton, 1 to 3 p.m. May 28
- Pierce County Virtual Phone Bank – Puyallup, 1 to 3 p.m. May 28
- Pierce County Canvass – University Place, 1 to 3 p.m. May 29
- Kitsap County Canvass – Bremerton, 3 to 6 p.m. May 31
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!
Keep in touch, stay engaged, and as always, thank you for all you do!
With gratitude,
Chair Tina Podlodowski Washington State Democratic Party
Washington State Democrats PO Box 4027 Seattle, WA 98194 United States