Benton County Democrats

Standing up for the people of Benton County, WA

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WSDCC – June 20, 2025

Posted on June 20, 2025

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Happy Friday, Washington Democrats!

Political Assassinations in Minnesota
The political assassinations in Minnesota are meant to terrify and coerce us into silence. But Washington Democrats have proven that none of us will be silent. My heart and prayers are with Sen. John Hoffman and his wife as they recover and I mourn the deaths of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark. No one who serves their community and our country should fear for their life. All of us stand for the values of justice and fairness and peace. This heinous act of violence will not stop or silence us. Nor will we let it strip us of our joy and the community we create when we come together to protect each other and our ideals for this country.

Happy Belated Juneteenth
Yesterday was Juneteenth – in case you missed it, here’s the statement we released to recognize this important holiday: 

Washington Democrats wish everyone a safe and joyous Juneteenth. Today, we commemorate the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people were freed. These troops arrived a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. 

As we honor the end of slavery in the United States, we recognize how far we have come and how far we have yet to go. Just this year, in 2025, Washington state swore in its first statewide Black elected leader in Attorney General Nick Brown. This historic achievement also underscores the systemic oppression and silencing that Black people face in American society. Despite these realities, Washington Democrats seek to lift up the joy, vibrancy, beauty, and talent in the Black community as we work to dismantle white supremacy and build a future that embraces everyone regardless of their heritage or skin color. 

Please also enjoy this special Juneteenth message from Attorney General Nick Brown. You can view it by clicking the image above or going here.

Working for Washington

Washington state understood the brief. 70,000 protestors marching in Seattle (we think it was more), 5,000 in Olympia, 5,000 in the Tri-Cities, hundreds in Walla Walla and Yakima and Kettle Falls – every corner of our state hosted massive protests telling Donald Trump the last thing he wanted to hear on his birthday – America has No Kings!

Thank you to everyone who came out and made your voices heard peacefully, but passionately. We made it impossible for pundits, the media, and our elected officials to ignore the groundshaking opposition of the American people to the direction our country is heading. The split screen between the depressing images of Trump’s poorly attended military parade and the vibrant energy of our movement could not have been more stark. Our troops deserve respect and support, not to be used as political pawns to stoke the ego of a dictatorial president. 

This week was also the DNC’s election for Vice Chair. By fixing a procedural vote that went wrong in February’s DNC meeting, we brought attention to three qualified women who each represent different regions and people that have been taken for granted for too long. I thank David Hogg for his service to the DNC and for raising the critical issues affecting young voters. I look forward to earning the votes of my fellow DNC members and I pledge to work with all of the Vice Chair candidates to build a stronger and more effective national party regardless of the results. As of press time, votes were still being counted for this election and I look forward to updating you all on the DNC’s newest Vice Chair in next week’s newsletter. 

Democrats Fighting Back
Trump gets his parade – and massive protests across the country in response, 
NOTUS
More than five million Americans took to the streets to register their anger and resistance to Trump’s MAGA regime on his birthday. This may well have been the largest mass protest in our nation’s history. That was only possible because of the incredible determination of all of you and our allies to meet this moment with our hearts and our energy for positive change.

Cantwell demands answers from AT&T, Verizon over Chinese Salt Typhoon Breach,
 Industrial Cyber
Senator Cantwell is demanding a full account of the breach and its impacts on AT&T and Verizon’s networks. The Republican reconciliation bill would hand over sensitive national security spectrum to private telecom providers, making this more urgent than ever given that current and former government experts indicate that Salt Typhoon may remain active in U.S. networks. You may watch a fireside chat with Senator Cantwell on this topic here.

Call to Action

  • Rally, Protest, and Gather
    • Wednesday, June 24 – Northwest Immigrants Rights Project Update Webinar and Know Your Rights Presentation / Webinar sobre Actualizaciones Migratorias por parte de NWIRP a las 5 PM el 24 de junio. Webinar will be in English from 5PM-5:45PM and Español 5:45PM-6:30PM. Click here to register/Haz click aqui para registrarte en nuestro webinar.
    • Every Friday – Refuse Fascism Fridays in Everett at the Social Security Administration Office from 5PM-6:30PM. Sign up here.
    • Every Monday – Mikey Mondays in Spokane outside the office of U.S. Representative Michael Baumgartner. Sign up here.
    • Every Tuesday – Tesla Tuesday in Liberty Lake from 4:30PM-5:30PM. Sign up here.
    • Every Wednesday – Musk or Us Protest in Redmond from 4PM-5PM. Sign up here.
  • Send us details on rallies and protests in your communities 
    • Email details to press@wa-democrats.org
  • Donate
    • If you would like to see less Washington D.C. and more Washington state in your community, please DONATE to The Real Washington Fund – our rapid response account to counter MAGA’s chaos with real organizing, real solutions, and real results. We can’t do the work of holding Republicans accountable without your support.
  • Follow us on social media
    • Follow us on social media for up-to-the-minute updates and actions that can benefit your communities:
      • Facebook
      • BlueSky
      • Threads
      • Instagram
      • TikTok

Pride Message

Enjoy this special Pride Message from Director of Communications, Stephen Reed. You can click the image above or go here.

WA Dems 2025 Pride Happy Hour

Washington Democrats and Stonewall Democrats are co-hosting a 2025 Pride Celebration on our rooftop deck the Friday before Seattle Pride Weekend. Hear from members of the LGBTQIA+ caucus like Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen and Senators Claire Wilson and Marko Liias as well as Attorney General Nick Brown! More speakers will be announced in the coming weeks. We hope to see you there! RSVP Here.

Spokane People’s Town Hall with Rep. Jayapal on June 30

Residents of the 5th Congressional District are invited to join us in Spokane on June 30 at Spokane Community College for a People’s Town Hall with Rep. Pramila Jayapal. We want to hear from you and listen to your stories about how Trump’s extreme agenda has impacted you and your communities. Please join us at The Spokane Community College Lair on Monday, June 30th from 5:30 – 7 PM. Please RSVP HERE to have a guaranteed seat in the auditorium!

Young Democrats of Washington Convention

Join Young Democrats from every corner of Washington as they come together on June 20-21 in Seattle for the Young Democrats of Washington Convention. The event is open to all Democrats 35 years and younger. If you can’t make it, but would still like to help, please consider sponsoring a young delegate’s tickets and travel.

Event Details:

Reception: Friday, June 20 at 6:00 PM
Location: Washington Athletic Club, 1325 Sixth Avenue, Seattle, WA

Convention: Saturday, June 21 – All Day
Location: Seattle Public Library – Central Branch
Workshops, speakers, community-building, and our statewide general session

Tickets are just $25 and available here: Click Here!

Republicans Behaving Badly

Senate GOP rethinks tax cuts, Medicaid overhaul in Trump’s megabill, 
Politico
The Senate finance committee released their version of Trump’s megabill and found ways to somehow make it even worse for working families. The new language will potentially kick millions of additional Americans off their Medicaid coverage – even more than the original House version. It also weakens the tax cuts for working families like tips and overtime while still managing to provide a bailout to billionaires.

Supreme Court upholds Tennessee ban on transgender youth medical care,
NBC News 
This deeply disappointing decision will hurt children and undermines the patient-doctor relationship. Every person deserves the healthcare they need to thrive. To our trans community: we see you, we support you, and we will never stop fighting for you. If you need help or someone to talk to, Trans Lifeline is available by calling 877-565-8860 or visiting translifeline.org. The Trevor Project also offers 24/7 help every day of the year to those 24 and under via text, phone, and online chat. 

RFK Jr. fires ‘Washingtonian of the year’ from CDC vaccine panel,
The Seattle Times
One of the nation’s foremost experts in vaccines and a former “Washingtonian of the Year” was fired from her post on one of the country’s top vaccine advisory panels by HHS Secretary RFK Jr. By putting politics over science, our health, safety, and public health infrastructure will be damaged for decades to come.

Democrats in the News

After MN shootings, Washington lawmakers push for peace: ‘This isn’t normal,’
The News Tribune

Crowds take to streets in Spokane for ‘No Kings’ protest,
Washington State Standard

Washington legislators condemn political violence following Minnesota shooting,
The Spokesman-Review

Everything we know about the Spokane ICE protests,
RANGE Media

Here are the 4 candidates running for DNC Vice Chair,
The Hill

What I’m Reading

WA GOP moves to end vote-by-mail,
The Northwest Politicast
Washington Republicans are hellbent on ruining our best-in-the-nation elections systems. First they are pushing an initiative that would require proof of citizenship during voter registration as the first step in their efforts to end vote-by-mail. Listen to Director of Communications Stephen Reed share how awful this would be for Washingtonians and for WAGOP Chair Jim Walsh’s own constituents.

Thanks for all you do,

Chair Shasti Conrad
Washington State Democratic Party


In 2024, Washington Democrats led the nation with sweeping electoral victories. Now, we’re fighting to elect a supermajority in Olympia, protect our swing seats in the House, and stand up to MAGA extremism across the country.

WA Dems empowers grassroots organizing and elects Democrats up and down the ballot. Your support fuels our fight to stop Trump and defend our democracy.

DONATE TODAY
DONATE MONTHLY

We sincerely thank you for your help and support.

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

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2 weeks ago

Benton County WA Democrats
Vaccination is described as safe, effective, and the best protection available against respiratory viruses like COVID-19, influenza, and RSV, according to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). ... See MoreSee Less

Washington state releases new vaccine recommendations ahead of flu season

keprtv.com

The state of Washington announced its vaccine recommendations for the 2025-26 respiratory virus season.
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Benton County WA Democrats

2 weeks ago

Benton County WA Democrats
If we're reading this correctly, Trump has just broken the law by advising the public to buy Lilly stock, which is a violation of the STOCK Act - short for the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act, the STOCK Act is a 2012 law that aims to prevent insider trading among members of Congress, government officials, and their staff.🚨INVESTMENT ALERT🚨Eli Lilly is set to build a $5,000,000,000 manufacturing plant in Virginia! ... See MoreSee Less

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Benton County WA Democrats

2 weeks ago

Benton County WA Democrats
What’s different now is the looming threat of entire research programs being eliminated, not just reduced.www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/our-view-sept-2025?fbclid=IwY2xjawM3oFVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHo... ... See MoreSee Less

We can’t afford to lose this much talent. PNNL layoffs put scientific progress at risk

www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com

The real risk of PNNL layoffs is brain drain on a national scale.
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Benton County WA Democrats

2 weeks ago

Benton County WA Democrats
For the first time since 2021, there are more unemployed job-seekers than available openings. ... See MoreSee Less

Trump’s Economy Is Finally Here—and It’s Even Worse Than You Imagined

slate.trib.al

Layoffs are spreading and unemployment is rising—and one kind of worker is being hit the hardest.
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2 weeks ago

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Some good news to report this morning, but we wish Rep. Dan Newhouse would step up and work with his WA state Dem colleagues to challenge the potential shut down of Hanford's VIT plant. ... See MoreSee Less

Representatives Newhouse and Schrier push for Washington conservation bill to aid farmers

www.nbcrightnow.com

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Kim Schrier (WA-08) and Congressman Dan Newhouse (WA-04) introduced a bipartisan bill to enhance conservation efforts in Washington state.
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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

•
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5
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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

•
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12
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  • 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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