MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
Happy Friday, Washington Democrats!
Working for Washington
I started my MLK Day weekend delivering a speech to the People’s Unity March in Seattle. This outgrowth of the Women’s March that preceded the first Trump Administration gathered hundreds of people in Seattle’s Cal Anderson Park to march for justice and community in the face of fascism. It was truly inspiring to hear from our Native Tribal leaders, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, elected officials like State Senator Rebecca Saldaña, U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal, and Governor Bob Ferguson, immigrant rights activists, and young people sharing the actions they will be taking to protect our state and communities from the incoming federal government. I called upon those gathered to stay engaged and informed, to share their experiences and actions with their families, friends, and neighbors, and to remain committed to the democratic ideals that have sustained our country for nearly 250 years. I have included a list of resources to help our immigrant neighbors and community members below.
Monday began with the awful feeling of swearing in President Trump for a second term on the same day we celebrate and honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Rather than giving in to despair, WA Dems partnered with the Washington High School Democrats Association to host Unify & Organize. Featuring speeches from U.S. Representatives Emily Randall and Pramila Jayapal, Community Activist Paulina Lopez, Washington High School Democrats Chair Jonnika Kwon, and myself and others – we gathered in community with 100 people to strategize and inspire resistance to Trump 2.0.
Hearing from young Democrats who used their first opportunity to vote to cast ballots for former Vice President Harris and who are committed to resisting the overreach and harm of the second Trump Administration was inspiring. While our party has a lot of work to do to reach young voters, I find hope in the inclusive and urgent vision of our youngest supporters to build a society that works for everyone, not just the wealthiest of the wealthy. I overheard one young attendee telling her friends that this was the first time she had ever engaged in something political and that she not only loved the event, but was inspired to take action in her own school. This is how we’re going to take back power for the people – by organizing and activating people one event at a time. I especially want to thank Chair Jonnika Kwon and Russell McQuarrie who reached out to WA Dems just days after the 2024 election to begin planning the Rise & Unify event. They refused to sit idly while Republicans launched plans to steal our rights and destroy communities.
Condolences to Congresswoman Jayapal and Her Family
This week, Congresswoman Jayapal’s father, M.P. Jayapal, passed away peacefully. Washington Democrats mourn his passing and celebrate the love and care he provided that enabled his family to enjoy opportunities that have strengthened our state and nation. Our hearts go out to the Jayapal family and their loved ones during this time of grief.
Resources for Resistance
You may have seen the reports that the Trump Administration is planning a large-scale deportation of immigrants from blue “sanctuary cities.” We must be prepared to protect our friends and neighbors from illegal searches and incarceration.
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
Please spread these resources on your social media channels and among your communities. These are dark times, but we can get through them if we stick together and look out for each other.
DNC Vice Chair
This week, I participated in the Western Regional DNC Officer Forum as part of my campaign to join the DNC Executive Board as Vice Chair. You can watch that forum on the DNC Youtube channel here. The election for DNC Executive Officers will take place next weekend in Maryland.
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 can learn from our success.
I am running for this national position at the same time that I run to be re-elected as your Washington State Democratic Party Chair so that I can bring our winning messaging and tactics to the national level. It would mean the world to me to have your support and endorsements as I seek re-election as your State Party Chair and the office of Vice Chair at the DNC.
Also, wish me luck, I’m running for re-election this weekend! You can support my re-election campaign for State Party Chair here and run for DNC Vice Chair here or by clicking the images above. This weekend, at the State Committee Meeting in Tacoma, State Committee Members will vote on the new Executive Board for WA Dems. At the time of this writing, no other candidates have declared their intent to run for Chair. It has been my honor and my privilege to serve as the Chair of Washington Democrats and I will do everything in my power to ensure that we are even more successful in the next two years as we resist Trump 2.0 and work to protect the gains Washington has made.
Democrats in the News
Democrats face new dividing line: Cooperate or resist Trump 2.0?, USA Today
Democratic leaders in Washington state vow accountability after Trump’s wild, unprecedented Day One overreach, The Cascadia Advocate
This time, it’s gubernatorial: Gov. Ferguson on how Washington will face another Trump administration, KUOW
What I’m Reading
WA AG Nick Brown sues Trump administration over birthright citizenship, The Seattle Times Washington’s first black statewide elected is already leading the resistance against the Trump administration’s overreach. He joins 17 other states working to protect the rights we are guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. I would wager we are going to be reading many similar headlines in the months and years to come.
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