Benton County Democrats

Standing up for the people of Benton County, WA

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Bluesky
Menu
  • Home
  • Donate
  • Volunteer
  • Subscribe
  • Calendar
  • Links
    • Local Govt
    • Washington State
    • Congress
    • Democratic Organization
    • The Resistance
    • Civics
    • Other
  • Documents and Resources
  • Web Log
    • Committee News
    • Affinity
    • Past Events
    • Elections
    • Good of the Order
  • Contact Us
Menu

WSDCC – November 7, 2024

Posted on November 7, 2024

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Washington Democrats, you have so much to be proud of!

A Personal Note

I want to start off by thanking you for everything you have done these past two years to support our Democratic party and for supporting our incredible candidates from the top of the ticket with President Biden, VP Harris, Gov. Tim Walz, Senator Cantwell, our next Governor Bob Ferguson- all the way down to our most local races and bond levies. You supported me in this role as we transitioned to a new Chair, and truly showed the country that it is possible to get big progressive wins!

While we have so much to be proud of here in Washington, certainly the national results are not what we wanted. I, like you, have been processing the results and trying to grapple with what has just happened. The grief and mourning we are all going through is natural. 

As someone with an intimate relationship to grief, (my beloved mother passed away only 10 months before I took this job), I took to social media yesterday to share my thoughts in the hopes that it might help others process what they may be feeling. Now, don’t get me wrong, there will be plenty of time for righteous anger (maybe even rage), for collective action, for re-powering the resistance. But if we move too quickly through the period of grief and loss, we miss key wisdom as well. 

So here’s what I wrote: 

Here’s the other big thing I’ve learned about grief. Everyone thinks that you need to rush around to do something. That there is an urgency. But then they also think that there will just be a mourning period that will come to a definite end. It doesn’t. You’re forever changed by loss. So don’t succumb to overreactions of urgency. There is power in healing and moving at your own pace. Rest, recharge, and be ready to tackle a new world. The new world is there today, tomorrow, and the next. Protect yourself as you process. And eventually you will know when you’re ready to re-enter. There is wisdom in slowing down and not giving up. Burnout and exhaustion is a tool of fascism.

I know that nothing entirely makes sense, and there will be endless think pieces on what went wrong for Kamala, what went right for Trump, an endless blame game. But we have an opportunity to take care of ourselves, each other, and show the rest of the country that what we have going on here in WA, can lead us through the darkness. 

I really loved VP Harris’ concession speech yesterday. If you haven’t watched it yet, you really should. I especially loved her line, “Only when it’s darkest, can you see the stars.”

It is an honor being your Chair. 

In solidarity, 

Shasti 

Working for Washington

I know many of us are still reeling from the national results on Tuesday. At the time of this writing, votes are still being counted and control of the U.S. House of Representatives is unclear while we lost the White House and the U.S. Senate.

What is clear is that Washington Democrats delivered when it mattered most. We retained control of every statewide elected office. We grew our majorities in the legislature. We rejected misleading and dangerous initiatives sponsored by the GOP and their mega-millionaire backers. We made history, from electing our new Governor Bob Ferguson to electing Nick Brown as Attorney General, the first Black person to hold statewide office in Washington. We have lots to be proud of here in Washington! In fact, we are only one of two states that moved further Democratic in the entire country.

We are still counting votes, and we do believe in counting every vote, so we aren’t calling CD 3 just yet, but the good news is that Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez was up on election day, and we feel optimistic about her re-election.

I want to share an email we sent out to our party leaders on election night with a round-up of the key races that we have been following: 

Washington Voter Turnout:

Overall, 3,241,821 ballots have been returned as of tonight. As of right now, 2,610,598 ballots have been counted. This represents a current turnout rate of 64.6% that we anticipate will trend towards 80% or more in the coming days. But the work is not over yet, and we will be working tirelessly over the next several days to make sure every vote is counted and nothing is left on the field! 

Washington State Election Results: 

Washington Democrats had an amazing night, winning races up and down the ticket! Here are some of our highlights: 

Maria Cantwell has won re-election with 60.1% of the vote and will continue to be our incredible U.S. Senator representing us in Washington D.C.! 

Bob Ferguson has won the race for Governor and we couldn’t be more excited! He currently has 56.6% of the vote across the state.

Marie Gluesenkamp Perez is ahead in one of the closest races in the state, leading by 4% to keep her seat in Congress! We’ll be watching this race closely, as voters are, as of this writing, still in line to register to vote and cast their ballot.

Dave Upthegrove has 53.1% of the vote in the race for Washington Public Lands Commissioner, and we’re optimistic that his margin will increase as more votes roll in! 

Nick Brown is winning his race to be the next Attorney General of WA and will be the first Black man to win a statewide race in WA. Patty Kuderer is winning her race for State Insurance Commissioner with 57.4% of the vote, and our incumbent state officials—Denny Heck, Steve Hobbs, Mike Pellicciotti, Pat McCarthy, and Chris Reykdal—are all winning their re-election races by similar margins. 

Central Washington

In one of the most-watched Legislative Districts in the state this cycle, the 14th LD State Senate and House of Representative races are close, had a large difference in trends of early and late votes being cast and still have voters in line and are still counting ballots. It is too early to call and we still feel optimistic about all three races. 

Southwest Washington

Down in SW Washington, Terri Niles is winning her State Representative race with 50.25% of the vote, and the 18th LD is also looking good with Adrian Cortes winning with 50.91% of the vote. 

North Puget Sound

Janet St. Clair in the 10th LD race for State Senate is close and leading by less than 1% of the vote! In the 42nd LD Alicia Rule and Joe Timmons are both winning their races for State Representative!

Kitsap County 

The 26th LD has been a race to watch all cycle and Adison Richards currently has 52.25% of the vote. 

National Results

As of tonight – the Presidential race is far too close to call in most critical swing states. We will monitor these results closely and continue to hope for the best. 

We knew the possibility this race wouldn’t be called tonight – and we must keep doing the work, and remaining positive and engaged until every last vote is counted! 

Next Steps

WA Dems will be sending out additional updates over the next few days as more ballots are received and counted by the Secretary of State’s office.

Scenes from Election Night

Notice – 11.9 Bounce Party Canceled

In light of the current political mood, we have made the decision to cancel this weekend’s Bounce Party. We want to encourage everyone to reflect, recharge and prepare for the fight ahead. 


Please stay tuned for the announcement of future solidarity events in the coming days and weeks. We are all in this together – and we will continue to work every day to build a better future.

Democrats in the News

Former “Survivor” contestant Nick Brown becomes first Black person to be elected Attorney General in Washington, People

Democrats on cusp of expanding majorities in WA Legislature, Washington State Standard

Democratic incumbents sweep in Washington’s down ballot races, Washington State Standard

Washington state Democrats in one of the last deep blue strongholds brace for what’s next, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

What I’m Watching

Jon Stewart’s Election Night Takeaway,The Daily Show

Thanks for all you do,

Chair Shasti Conrad

Washington State Democratic Party


Contribute

We sincerely thank you for your help and support.

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

Search

Subscribe

Benton County Dems on Facebook

Cover for Benton County WA Democrats
2,834
Benton County WA Democrats

Benton County WA Democrats

Serving the Democrats of Benton County, WA

Benton County WA Democrats

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.
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

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

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

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.
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

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.
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Benton County WA Democrats

2 weeks ago

Benton County WA Democrats
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.
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

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
©2025 Benton County Democrats | Theme by SuperbThemes