MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
Pride Month should be a time of love, authenticity, and honor — not hate or violence. But that’s what we saw last weekend in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, when a parade was disrupted by a group of white nationalists. Thankfully, they were arrested before they could carry out their planned attack. It was revealed a number of them came right from Washington state, and were linked not only to Patriot Front, a dangerous alt-right organization, but also to former Republican state Rep. Matt Shea. We continue to see members of the Washington GOP, including many prominent elected officials, connected to extremist groups. We can’t allow that hate to continue to grow here, and we have to keep fighting to ensure protections for the LGBTQ community in our state and beyond. We MUST keep extremists out of office at the ballot box, and that is done by turning out Democratic voters in every race and every place in Washington state. Let’s get to work, Democrats!
WORKING FOR WASHINGTON
Our 2022 state convention is just a week away! We’ve got a lot to celebrate, and thankfully we have a stellar group of friends to help with our historic homecoming. We are so thrilled to share that Sen. Patty Murray, Rep. Kim Schrier, Rep. Marilyn Strickland, and Gov. Jay Inslee will speak at the evening gala Saturday. But the excitement doesn’t stop there! DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison is also slated to speak that morning to delegates during the General Session meeting. This all-star lineup not only has a finger on the pulse of the Democratic Party, but they are actively working to improve our state and nation every day. You don’t want to miss it!
Tickets are going fast — secure yours now:
And if you’re a convention delegate who has yet to register, please do so ASAP:
We can’t wait to see everyone next Friday and Saturday!
DEMOCRATS IN THE NEWS
Washington Democrats seek earlier presidential primary Washington Democrats were selected to make a formal pitch June 22-24 in Washington D.C. to the DNC’s Rules and Bylaws Committee, along with 16 other state parties. Washington is one of the three states (with Colorado and Nevada) under consideration for the Western spot. A final decision is expected by Aug. 6
Price gouging on baby formula? Sens. Murray, Cantwell demand investigation Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell called on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to investigate whether national retail chains and online sellers have raised specialized infant formula prices during the current shortage.
Find additional news and more on our website and social media!
STAFF CORNER
We continue to add to our ever-growing field organizing team to ensure we have the talent and drive to get out the vote in every race and every place in Washington state! Meet four of our newest field organizers, who started just this week:
MARIA GROFF Maria is originally from Bremerton, and later moved to Spokane, where she attended high school. Since graduating, she’s primarily lived in West Seattle, but spent almost eight years in Kauai, and tries to travel the United States as much as possible. Maria works as a journeyman laborer in the union, but is taking time to help the state party with its field operations because she cares deeply about Democratic politics.
COOPER BRONSON Cooper is a junior at Western Washington University, studying religion and culture. He is originally from Spokane, but moved to Bellingham for college. Cooper is very passionate about developing better understanding and relationships with people, especially those with vastly different experiences than himself, particularly in respect to religion and academia. He believes politics is inseparable from everything else, which is why he is excited to be doing this work.
NATALIE KENOYER Cooper is a junior at Western Washington University, studying religion and culture. He is originally from Spokane, but moved to Bellingham for college. Cooper is very passionate about developing better understanding and relationships with people, especially those with vastly different experiences than himself, particularly in respect to religion and academia. He believes politics is inseparable from everything else, which is why he is excited to be doing this work.
DALE PORTER Dale is a Pacific Northwest native, and became involved in advocacy and local social issues while attending the Tacoma School of the Arts, where he volunteered for multiple nonprofit organizations. Dale decided then to dedicate his entire college career and degree path to break down the barriers preventing people from accessing a better education and obtaining basic human services. He attended the Tacoma Community College, the University of Washington Tacoma, and the University of Washington School of Law. Dale loves every moment residing in the Evergreen State and strives to continue making it a better place for all.
Want to join our team, or know of someone who’d make a great addition? Current openings:
- Voter Protection Director
- Deputy Field Organizer
- Digital Coordinator
- Field Organizer
- Research Coordinator
Visit wa-democrats.org/jobs to learn more.
SAVE THE DATE
Join us for our state party’s bi-annual convention June 24-25 at the Tacoma Convention Center. Snag your tickets TODAY before it’s too late!
GET INVOLVED
For the week of June 17-23:
- Gig Harbor Canvass, 10 a.m. to noon June 18
- Clark County Canvass, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 18
- Federal Way Canvass, 10 a.m. to noon June 18
- Pierce County Canvass – Tacoma, 10 a.m. to noon June 18
- Door Knocking in Bothell, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 18
- King County Canvass – Kent, 1 to 3 p.m. June 18
- Arlington Phone Bank, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
- South Puget Sound Virtual Phone Bank, 5 to 7 p.m. June 18
- King County Canvass – Renton Highlands, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 19
- Spokane Phone Bank, 5 to 7 p.m. June 21
- King County GOTV Phone Bank, 5 to 7 p.m. June 21
- Oak Harbor Virtual Phone Bank, 5 to 7 p.m. June 21
- Kitsap County Canvass – Port Orchard, 2 to 4 p.m. June 22
- Pierce County Canvass – Puyallup, 2 to 4 p.m. June 22
- Spokane County Canvass, 5 to 7 p.m. June 22
- Clark County Phone Bank, 5 to 7 p.m. June 22
- King County Virtual Phone Bank – Auburn, 5 to 7 p.m. June 22
- Marysville Virtual Phone Bank, 5 to 7 p.m. June 22
- Spokane Phone Bank, 5 to 7 p.m. June 23
- Lakeridge Virtual Phone Bank, 5 to 7 p.m. June 23
- Pierce County Virtual Phone Bank – Lakewood, 5 to 7 p.m. June 23
- Skamania County Phone Bank, 5 to 7 p.m. June 23
- South Sound Virtual Phone Bank, 5 to 7 p.m. June 23
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!
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Connections Lab: Stop, Drop, and Roll Workshop | 8 to 11:30 a.m. June 25 Learn the science behind framing and leave with skills to create effective messages that tell people who Democrats are, what we believe, and why our ideas work better for all Americans.
Use the promo code “ASDC” at checkout to attend for free. Register HERE.
Connections Lab: Framing the Impending Roe v. Wade Decision | 5-6 p.m. June 27 Hear from a messaging expert on how best to frame and discuss the U.S. Supreme Court’s impending decision likely overturning Roe v. Wade, jeopardizing access to abortion.
Register to attend for free HERE.
Keep in touch, stay engaged, and as always, thank you for all you do!
With gratitude,
Chair Tina Podlodowski Washington State Democratic Party
[Washington State Democrats PO Box 4027 Seattle, WA 98194 United States