MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
Hello Democrats,
It’s been an exciting first week back in Washington serving as your Chair! I want to start today’s note by thanking all of you for the opportunity to take on this role. It’s a pride and an honor to lead the best State Party in the country and I could have never made it here without the support of terrific Democrats just like you!
As many of you know, I spent last week standing as a proud advocate for Washington State at the DNC’s winter meeting in Philadelphia. It was a great opportunity to learn from my fellow Chairs and forge powerful partnerships with Democratic leaders of every stripe from across the nation! We were even able to take a historic vote to change up our primary calendar to enfranchise more communities of color!
Some of my top highlights included speaking to the Environment and Climate Caucus about how to run on a platform of climate justice (check out a recording off that panel here!), attending my first DNC AAPI caucus meeting (so proud to be the first AAPI Chair representing one of the contiguous 48 states!), and meeting President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
I’ll always remember what Vice President Harris said when I told her that I am the first Indian American woman to serve as a State Party Chair anywhere in the country. She reminded me that although I may be the first, do not allow myself to be the last. I’m deeply proud to pave this path for future leaders and I don’t take the responsibility lightly.
I also want to give major shoutouts to our WA State DNC members – all of whom were appointed to influential committees. Rest assured, Washington State is extremely well represented at the DNC!
After an exciting week in Philly and a major crash course in DNC procedures, I’m back to getting to know my terrific staff, forging relationships with Party leaders and stakeholders, and doing the crucial work of building campaign infrastructure that will allow Democrats to win big this year and in 2024. Once more, thank you for this opportunity, I’m thrilled to have the chance to work with each and every one of you and earn major victories for Democrats up and down the ticket!
DEMOCRATS IN THE NEWS
5 takeaways from Biden’s State of the Union address
President Biden delivered a State of the Union address Tuesday night that Democrats will likely be thrilled with.
Washington politicians respond to Biden’s 2023 State of the Union address
Washington’s Democratic Congress members are responding to President Biden’s 2023 State of the Union address, echoing the president’s main message: “Let’s finish the job.”
WA Sen. Maria Cantwell’s great week highlights Alaska’s identity crisis
Having a pretty good week: Wild salmon and centuries-old cedars.
Having a great week: Washington’s junior U.S. senator, Maria Cantwell.
Having an identity crisis: Alaska.
Washington Rep. Rick Larsen on where common ground can be found in Congress
With millions of new jobs created over the last two years and unemployment dipping to its lowest level in decades, Washington Congressman Rick Larsen says there are plenty of signs that the U.S. economy is getting stronger.
Jayapal Named Ranking Member of Immigration Subcommittee
Jayapal is the first immigrant in recorded committee history to serve as either Ranking Member or Chair of this Subcommittee.
Keep in touch, stay engaged, and as always, thank you for all you do!
With gratitude,
Chair Shasti Conrad Washington State Democratic Party
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