MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
Historically, Independence Day has served as an opportunity for our nation to celebrate our freedoms. But this year, the annual holiday comes at a time when one of our most fundamental rights is being stripped away — the right to make decisions about when and whether to grow our families.
MAGA Republicans have tried to make freedom a core pillar of their party, and yet, they’ve always been the first to call for the overturn of Roe v. Wade; the first to take up arms against our democracy. You know as well as we do, it’s never been about freedom, it’s about control —
and the GOP’s hypocrisy is sickening. Amid the Jan. 6 hearings and the fall of Roe, the tyranny of the right has been on full display before us. We know we have a tough road ahead, and must do everything we can to protect our rights from being further dismantled by MAGA Republicans.
Freedom isn’t free, and many of us have yet to realize the full promise of America. To achieve that promise, to achieve total independence that includes life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness and our CIVIL RIGHTS, we need to fight for it. Now. Please join us in that fight.
This weekend, I’m choosing to focus on the values and rights Democrats hold dearest, those that preserve and protect our communities, those that allow us to thrive as individuals and live authentic lives. No matter what the Supreme Court or GOP believe, we are free to have authority over our own lives, to move freely through public spaces, to love and marry whomever we choose, and to decide for ourselves if we want children. We won’t stop until that’s true for everyone.
WORKING FOR WASHINGTON
We are so thankful to everyone who helped make the 2022 Washington State Democratic Convention possible. The event was an absolute success, with over 1,200 delegates joining us in person and virtually for the first EVER hybrid state convention! Together, we nominated Sen. Patty Murray and Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, both of whom are running for reelection, to our 2022 midterm slate, approved an official platform, and announced plans for the executive committee to adopt a resolution in response to Roe v. Wade being overturned. We know that things feel heavy and uncertain lately, but we have the tools to build a better future for ourselves and our communities.
Democrats, it’s time to rise, organize, and get to work. The primary is just weeks away, and we’ve got to get out the vote in every corner of Washington state! This means knocking doors, making phone calls, and talking with voters — we need your help in that effort. Take action and volunteer with us today. You’ll find a list of upcoming opportunities near you below; sign up for one (or two) today.
We have many paid opportunities for people to get involved as well. At the state party, we have several job openings (a list of these can also be found below), which are integral to our GOTV operation. Some, like the field organizer and deputy field organizer roles, present a great chance for our younger Democrats, including those in college and high school, to gain real campaign experience and provide an entryway into Democratic politics.
It’s going to take all of us to win big in November — join our staff and volunteer team today!
DEMOCRATS IN THE NEWS
Democrats unveiling ‘Transgender Bill of Rights’ Rep. Pramila Jayapal, the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and co-chair of the Transgender Equality Task Force, said in a statement that the resolution would ensure transgender people can lead “full, happy lives.”
Washington Dems Nominate Murray, Hobbs as 2022 Candidates at State Convention U.S. Sen. Patty Murray and Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, both running for reelection, were chosen Saturday during the 2022 Washington Democratic State Convention in Tacoma, with each accepting the nomination. Additional candidates will be nominated in September.
‘Don’t agonize, organize.’ State Democrats’ Tacoma convention offers rally cry after Roe State, local and national party leaders were on hand last Saturday to reiterate that the fight to protect reproductive rights was front and center and on the ballot in upcoming elections.
Find additional news and more on our website and social media!
STAFF CORNER
DREW ESTEP How long have you worked for the state party, and what is your role here? My first position with the Washington State Democrats was as a Field Organizer in the 34th Legislative district in 2016, a district I now call home! Now I’m the Party Affairs Director for the State Party.
Why are you a Democrat? I’m not allowed to say “because it annoys my father-in-law,” right? In all seriousness, I believe that the route to a prosperous and successful society is through making sure every individual has the ability to succeed, and, more importantly, the opportunity to fail and get back up. The Democrats are the Party that prioritizes making sure you have a shot, and if you miss your shot, you can try again until you get it right.
Why do you enjoy this work? I think it’s a really special time to be in internal party administration. There’s been so much energy the last six years to rethink how we do politics, and the pandemic accelerated that process. It’s incredibly rewarding to work with the talented and insightful members of our local party organizations to rethink how we can be accessible and inclusive in party functions, and then see those innovations come to life in never-tried-before processes.
Want to join our team, or know of someone who’d make a great addition? Current openings:
- Voter Protection Director
- Development Coordinator
- Deputy Field Organizer
- Digital Coordinator
- Field Organizer
- Research Coordinator
Visit wa-democrats.org/jobs to learn more.
GET INVOLVED
For the week of July 1-6:
- Pierce County Canvass – Gig Harbor, 10 a.m. to noon July 2
- Vancouver Canvass, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 2
- Spokane County Canvass, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 2
- Door Knocking in Edmonds, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 2
- Jefferson County Canvass – Port Townsend, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 2
- Clallam Canvas – Port Angeles, noon to 2 p.m. July 2
- Camas Canvass, noon to 2 p.m. July 2
- 46th LD Virtual Phone Bank, 2 to 4 p.m. July 2
- King County Phone Bank (5th, 11th, and 47th LDs), 2 to 4 p.m. July 2
- Pierce County Canvass – Tacoma, 10 a.m. to noon July 3
- Door Knocking in Bellingham, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 3
- Kitsap County Canvass – Port Orchard, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 3
- King County Canvass – Klahanie (5th LD) noon to 2 p.m. July 3
- Federal Way Virtual Phone Bank, 2 to 4 p.m. July 3
- Spokane Phone Bank, 3 to 5 p.m. July 3
- South Sound Virtual Phone Bank, 3 to 5 p.m. July 3
- Pierce County Virtual Phone Bank – Lakewood, 3 to 5 p.m. July 3
- Spokane Phone Bank, 5 to 7 p.m. July 5
- Clallam and Jefferson Counties Virtual Phone Bank, 5 to 7 p.m. July 5
- Thurston County Phone Bank, 5 to 7 p.m. July 5
- King County Phone Bank – Maple Valley (5th LD), 5 to 7 p.m. July 5
- 1st LD Virtual Phone Bank, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 5
- Clark County Weekly Phone Bank, 5 to 7 p.m. July 6
- South Sound Townhall, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. July 6
Learn more of what’s happening in your neck of the woods and sign up for event alerts HERE.
From now until November, we have to mobilize every Democratic voter in Washington state — and we need your help to accomplish that. Join our incredible team of volunteers!
Keep in touch, stay engaged, and as always, thank you for all you do!
With gratitude,
Washington State Democratic Party
The work we do today wins elections this November. If you’re ready to elect Democrats in every race and every place in Washington state, invest in our efforts and make a contribution now.
Want to support our work year round? Join Blue Washington, our monthly giving program! It is the most effective way to help candidates, volunteers, organizers, activists, and staff because it gives us the certainty we need to scale up our program with confidence. Your monthly investment ensures we can defend our strong legislative majorities, flip key congressional seats from red to blue, and fight for progressive values. Help us lead the way to victories at all levels of government today!
The work we do today wins elections in November. If you’re ready to elect Democrats in every race and every place in Washington state, invest in our efforts and make a contribution now. Consider supporting our work year round by joining our monthly giving program, Blue Washington!
Washington State Democrats PO Box 4027 Seattle, WA 98194 United States