Benton County Democrats

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WSDCC – February 7, 2025

Posted on February 7, 2025

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

It’s Friday, Washington Democrats! 

Celebrating Black History Month

Every February we not only celebrate the history of Black people and their enormous contributions to our state and nation, but also those Black icons who are making history right now! Today, I want to recognize Attorney General Nick Brown who became the first Black person elected to statewide office in Washington state history. AG Brown has been hard at work defending our constitutional rights. Just this week, his coalition of four states blocked the Trump administration’s attempts to end birthright citizenship.

We also have amazing Black lawmakers in our state legislature who are creating opportunity and building protections in our state to overcome the Trump administration’s inhumane policies.

Washington House of Representatives: 

  • Rep. Jamila Taylor – 30th LD 
  • Rep. Natasha Hill – 3rd LD 
  • Rep. April Berg – 44th LD
  • Rep. Brandy Donaghy – 44th LD
  • Rep. Debra Entenman – 47th LD
  • Rep. David Hackney – 11th LD
  • Rep. Melanie Morgan – 29th LD
  • Rep. Julia Reed – 36th LD
  • Rep. Brianna Thomas – 34th LD
  • Rep. Kristine Reeves – 30th LD
  • Rep. Shaun Scott – 43rd LD 
  • Rep. Chipalo Street – 37th LD 

State Senate

  • Sen. John Lovick – 44th LD
  • Sen. T’wina Nobles – 28th LD

A HUGE thank you to ALL of our Black lawmakers who are making history in Washington state!

I also want to recognize the tremendous work of Washington Democrats’ own African American Caucus led by Caucus Chair Satin-Desiree Arnett. Satin and her members do important work to highlight the unique voices and solutions that benefit their community. If you’re interested in learning more about Washington Democrats’ African American Caucus please reach out to satindeseree@gmail.com.

Working for Washington

The horrors of the Trump administration continued this week. Whether it’s deleting public health websites, signing Executive Orders dehumanizing trans people, or allowing an unelected, unappointed billionaire access to the personal tax information of every American – these are dark times for our democracy. Also this week, we learned that Trump has nominated known conspiracy theorist and white supremacist Joe Kent to lead the National Counterterrorism Center. Washington voters in Southwest Washington rejected Kent’s extreme brand of politics twice in a row because they understand how dangerous and unfit he is to have a role in our government.

Developments are happening fast and Washington Democrats are here to help you parse what’s going on and how we can resist these assaults on our democracy most effectively. Senator Patty Murray has been working to identify the real world impacts of Trump’s chaos while Representative Adam Smith has joined with his fellow ranking members to demand answers about how the Department of Government Efficiency may be breaking U.S. law. I was also incredibly proud of the 1,500 vocal protestors in Olympia who stood up for the rights of their fellow Americans.

DNC Vice Chair Update

Unfortunately, the DNC Vice Chair race did not go as we had hoped. I made it to the final ballot and came in 6th out of 19 candidates. I was elected as the Association of State Democratic Committee’s’ Western Region representative to the DNC Executive Committee. I wish the best to the new leadership team, particularly Chair Ken Martin and Vice Chairs Artie Blanco, Malcolm Kenyatta, and David Hogg. The party will need all of us to ensure that we are in fighting form to win elections across this country. 

Thank you so much for all of your support through this process. I was so proud to take our wins in this Washington to the national stage. 

I am so grateful to be here, in our beloved Washington, where I get to feel proud and secure to live in a state that is led by the most incredible Democratic leaders in the country. I’m so grateful to everyone who supported me, from grassroots activists, youth leaders, labor leaders, Governors, my Senators, members of Congress, state legislators, DNC members, and many more. 

I will continue to do the work, as I always do. I will continue to uplift not only my Asian American Pacific Islander community, but all communities that are often overlooked by the Party. I love coming from the West and we will continue to innovate, build, and win, and someday I hope the National party will see us as the model that we are. 

Until then, let’s work to build a winning DNC that is accountable, transparent, inclusive, and effective. I am proud to continue to do that as Washington State Democratic Party Chair.

Storybanking

Here in the real Washington, we are gathering resources for those communities most harmed by Trump policies and executive orders. We are also asking our supporters (including folks like YOU) to share their stories of how Trump policies and executive orders are impacting them in the real world. 

Here’s a story from Hillary Moralez, former Snohomish County Democrats Chair:

“I was proud to be elected as the first Mexican-American chair for my county democrats, which leads me to my story. Donald Trump coming back this second time is worse than the first in that never have I had so many people reach out to me in concern about my own status in this country. It’s ridiculous, I want to say, because I’m American. I was born here, and so were both my parents, and all my grandparents. And yet, Donald Trump has been in office less than a full month and my friends and family are urging me to cancel plans to leave the country for vacation. What if I’m not allowed back in? 

“My co-workers at my job have reached out to me to ask me if I’m safe where I live, as they’ve heard about the ICE raids in the Washington area and know about the stories of American citizens being detained all the same. I have never not been proud of my last name, Moralez, or my family history that leads back Mexican revolutionaries, and yet [I] continually get told that maybe it would be a good idea to change my last name to something more euro-centric. 

“This is worse than it’s ever been, and it’s clear why. Trump is acting without any checks and balances, and he’s holding the citizens of our country hostage. I want to be able to travel and not worry about our borders being closed. I want the knot in my chest to loosen when I hear a knock at the door. I worry constantly now that the protections have been removed for employees that I could lose my job for being a woman, or being hispanic. Especially because my job is in a male-dominated field (Tech) that I’ve worked so hard to get into and there is almost nobody like me there.  I’m an American citizen, born and raised, and I shouldn’t fear my country or my ability to live in it. I can’t imagine the terror that is affecting my fellow Mexican-Americans, and the immigrant community. It’s inhumane, it’s cruel, and it’s constant.”

Thank you for sharing your story with us, Hillary. 

If you are interested in sharing your story of the direct impacts of Trump 2.0 on your life, please send an email to press@wa-democrats.org that includes your name, contact information, which Washington community you reside in, and the story you would like to share. Our Communications team will be in touch within a few business days after you have reached out to help collect your story.

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. 

Trans Lifeline: Trans Lifeline is dedicated to the wellbeing of transgender people. Their hotline is staffed by transgender people for transgender people to respond to whatever needs members of the trans community may have. The hotline number is 1-877-565-8860

Gender Justice League: Gender Justice League provides direct support and advocacy for the trans community and assists transgender people in obtaining government documentation that matches their gender identity. You can contact them through the website or call 206-538-0423.

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:

El Centro de la Raza

Refugee Women’s Alliance

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

One America

Congolese Integration Network

Lutheran Community Services Northwest

Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs

Resistance in the Courts

As Trump’s unlawful orders and actions reverberate throughout our country, people are standing up and fighting back using the rule of law. From FBI agents to families and doctors to our own Attorney General Nick Brown, we are seeing important cases moving through the courts system. 

Yesterday, the State of Washington and Northwest Immigrant Rights Project presented arguments challenging the Executive Order that seeks to eliminate birthright citizenship. As developments arise, we will keep you informed on how that case is progressing. On Wednesday, a federal judge in Maryland issued a nationwide preliminary injunction against the Executive Order.

Here are some other cases that will importantly challenge the Trump Administration’s lawlessness:

FBI agents are suing the DOJ out of fear Trump’s allies will put their lives at risk, NOTUS

Families and doctors sue over Trump’s order to halt funding for gender-affirming care, AP

Doctors for America v. Office of Personnel Management, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Food and Drug Administration, and Department of Health & Human Services, United States District Court for the District of Columbia – Doctors are suing to regain access to critical health-related data that advances public health.

Democrats in the News

Judge in Seattle continues block on Trump birthright citizenship order, The Seattle Times

Sen. Murray blasts Trump administration over funding feezes that affect WA, The Seattle Times

Majority Leader Pedersen, Speaker Jinkins: Protecting Transgender Youth in Washington State, Senate Democrats

Post on requirement to notify an example of ‘politics at its worst,’ Democrats say, The Spokesman-Review

Trump nominates Joe Kent as Director of National Counterterrorism Center, Oregon Public Broadcasting

Cantwell introduces act to improve wildfire forecasting tools, The Wenatchee World

State Democrats are looking for ways to advance their priorities without help from Washington, Business Insider

What I’m Reading

The Situation: What’s going on at the FBI? Don’t look now but the FBI is resisting the political witch-hunt loosed upon it , Lawfare – I’m encouraged by this thoughtful reporting about rank-and-file FBI agents making efforts to protect their colleagues from Trump’s ideological purge of law enforcement. In these dark times, we should lift up the stories of those who are facing enormous personal peril and yet still manage to stand up for our country in the face of authoritarian efforts.  

Thanks for all you do,

Chair Shasti Conrad

Washington State Democratic Party


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We sincerely thank you for your help and support.

Washington State Democrats
PO Box 4027
Seattle, WA 98194
United States

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Party Calendar

October 2025

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    October 2, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

•
3
  • Indivisible Tricities - First Fridays Happy Hour

    Indivisible Tricities - First Fridays Happy Hour

    October 3, 2025  4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    Moonshot Brewing 8804 W. Victoria Ave Kennewick, WA

    We are going to start a social every first Friday of the month and BIG thanks to Moonshot Brewing who has agreed to let us meet there. Join us on Friday, Sept 5th, 4-6pm. Let’s come together and have some fun! Hope to see you there!

    See more details

•
4
5
6
7
  • TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    October 7, 2025  3:45 PM - 5:45 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Richland City Council

    Richland City Council

    October 7, 2025  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
8
9
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    October 9, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

  • MiniVan Training: Democrats University

    MiniVan Training: Democrats University

    October 9, 2025  5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
    https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/JAmvKeUER7yEYZtEgU2dBQ#/registration

    Information you provide when registering will be shared with the account owner and host and can be used and shared by them in accordance with their Terms and Privacy Policy.

    See more details

• •
10
  • Tri-City Democrats Meeting/Potluck

    Tri-City Democrats Meeting/Potluck

    October 10, 2025  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    For current location please visit https://www.facebook.com/TriCityDems/

    See more details

•
11
12
13
  • Benton County Executive Board

    Benton County Executive Board

    October 13, 2025  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Meeting details will be provided over email from the Benton County Democrats Chair.

    See more details

•
14
  • TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    October 14, 2025  3:45 PM - 5:45 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Kennewick City Council Workshop

    Kennewick City Council Workshop

    October 14, 2025  6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

    See more details

• •
15
16
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    October 16, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

•
17
18
  • NO KINGS Zillah Washington

    NO KINGS Zillah Washington

    October 18, 2025  10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
    1st Avenue & Vintage Valley Parkway Zillah, WA 98953

    **In Zillah, we don’t put up with would-be kings. Come out and let your neighbors know they aren’t alone.

    Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together.

    The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings, and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty. Grow our movement and join us.

    A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.

    See more details

  • NO KINGS Tri-Cities WA

    NO KINGS Tri-Cities WA

    October 18, 2025  11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    Columbia Center Blvd 1321 N Columbia Center Blvd Kennewick, WA 99336

    Keep your eye out for the perfect costume because this year’s HAIRraisin’ FUNraiser will take place on Saturday, October 25, at 6pm at the Pasco Red Lion Hotel and Conference Center. Costumes are encouraged at this Halloween Bash celebrating the amazing work that B5 does.

    Guests will hear an update from Executive Director Theresa Roosendaal, and hear two stories of B5 students who are thriving here in the Tri-Cities. There will be auctions, games, a costume contest, and an opportunity to win a two-year lease for a 2025 Cadillac CT4 generously donated by McCurley Cadillac! 

    You can purchase tickets at here or contact Larissa at 509-551-1643 or at larissa.knopp@thriveatb5.org.

    See more details

  • NO KINGS Walla Walla

    NO KINGS Walla Walla

    October 18, 2025  12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    Walla Walla County Superior 315 W Main St Walla Walla, WA 99362

    In America, we don’t put up with would-be kings.

    Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together.

    The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings, and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty. Grow our movement and join us.

    A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.

    See more details

• • •
19
20
21
  • TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    October 21, 2025  3:45 PM - 5:45 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Richland City Council

    Richland City Council

    October 21, 2025  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
22
23
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    October 23, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

  • BCDCC General Public Meeting

    BCDCC General Public Meeting

    October 23, 2025  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Meeting details will be provided over email from the Benton County Democrats Chair.

    See more details

• •
24
25
  • HAIRraisin’ FUNraiser

    HAIRraisin’ FUNraiser

    October 25, 2025  6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    Red Lion Hotel Pasco Airport & Conference Center 2525 N 20th Ave, Pasco, WA 99301

    Keep your eye out for the perfect costume because this year’s HAIRraisin’ FUNraiser will take place on Saturday, October 25, at 6pm at the Pasco Red Lion Hotel and Conference Center. Costumes are encouraged at this Halloween Bash celebrating the amazing work that B5 does.

    Guests will hear an update from Executive Director Theresa Roosendaal, and hear two stories of B5 students who are thriving here in the Tri-Cities. There will be auctions, games, a costume contest, and an opportunity to win a two-year lease for a 2025 Cadillac CT4 generously donated by McCurley Cadillac! 

    You can purchase tickets at here or contact Larissa at 509-551-1643 or at larissa.knopp@thriveatb5.org.

    See more details

•
26
27
28
  • TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    October 28, 2025  3:45 PM - 5:45 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Richland City Council Workshop

    Richland City Council Workshop

    October 28, 2025  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
29
30
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    October 30, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

•
31
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