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 Wrap-up November 10, 2023

Posted on November 10, 2023

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Hello Democrats and happy Friday of Election Week!

While we’re still watching final results come in here in Washington State, I want to take a moment to celebrate what a tremendous week this has been for Democrats across the U.S. We fought back and won against the toxic influence of Republicans and achieved historic victories nationwide thanks to hard work and perseverance! 

  • In Ohio – voters fought back against last year’s catastrophic Dobbs decision by overwhelmingly voting to codify the right to choose in their state constitution.
  • In Virginia – Democrats won back control of the House of Delegates and held onto their narrow majority in the State Senate – a firm referendum on the rightward shift seen since their tremendous victories in 2020. Now Glenn Youngkin has to govern with a Democratic State Legislature! 
  • In New Jersey, Republicans came out of the gate thinking they had an opportunity to gain ground and Democrats beat them at every single juncture, expanding strong legislative majorities and perhaps most notably, flipping the deep red 30th District, which Donald Trump won by 35% in 2020. 
  • In PA – Voters in Philadelphia elected Democrat Cherelle Parker to the Mayor’s office, the first black woman to ever hold the role.
  • In RI – Gabe Amo won his race for Congress, becoming the first African American elected to the House from Rhode Island. Gabe is a fellow Obama alum, former colleague, and dear friend!
  • In MS – the Governor’s race may not have panned out as we hoped, but voters did elect Fabian Nelson to the legislature. He will be the first openly gay man to serve in Jackson and surely not the last (now LA is the only state that has never elected an openly gay legislator – we’ll work tirelessly to ensure they get with the program soon)! 
  • And in VA – Danica Roem, who made history as the first trans legislator elected in the United States when she won office in 2017, won her race to be the nation’s second trans state Senator, following in the path Sarah McBroom paved in Delaware in 2020.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg – the Democratic enthusiasm we’re seeing in Washington State and across the country is truly off the charts and I’ve never been prouder to be a Democrat than I am today. 

I also wanted to deliver a resounding thank you to 6th CD Congressman Derek Kilmer, who announced yesterday he will not be running for re-election in 2024, for his years of tremendous service to the people of Washington State and to our Party.

We wish Congressman Kilmer all the best in his next chapter – we will miss him tremendously, and you can be sure we will work tirelessly to ensure our eventual Democratic nominee wins in CD 6! 

Hello Democrats and happy Friday!
 
Can you believe we are just 4 days out from Election Day? That means we have just over 100 hours left to do everything in our power to get out the Democratic vote statewide. 

ELECTION RESULTS UPDATE

Now that we’re a few days past the General Election, it’s a great time to assess where we stand in many of the most critical races statewide. 

We’ll cover the highlights – but remember you can always check on the details via the Secretary of State’s website here: https://results.vote.wa.gov/results/20231107/

At this point in the game, we don’t expect any more major ballot drops, which means most of the results here should hold. With that being said, more votes will be counted in the days to come and we will be back in touch with further updates and analysis once final results are certified later this month. 

As of now, we’re looking at a total voter turnout of 31.3% and projecting final turnout closer to 40% or a bit higher. This puts us roughly on pace with where we were in 2019 and 2021, meaning voter engagement has held steady cycle to cycle. 

In terms of actual results, we haven’t seen a ton of change since election night. That said, we did want to provide a quick summary of notable races: 

  • In Spokane –  Lisa Brown and Betsy Wilkerson still hold strong leads of 51.3% and 52.8% in their races for Mayor and City Council president! Kitty Klitzke and Paul Dillon have commanding leads of 59.4% and 53.3% respectively too, suggesting likely paths to victory. Lindsey Shaw is still down substantially and looks unlikely to carry the day. 
  • In Pierce County – Jamie Smith still faces an uphill battle, holding 44.8% of the vote, but it’s not over until it’s over and we are working hard to make sure every vote is counted! We’re so excited that Jamika Scott and Olgy Diaz (former WA Dems staff) have secured victory on the Tacoma City Council!
  • In Snohomish County – Susanna Johnson appears poised for victory over her MAGA opponent in the Sheriff’s race, with 51.5% of total votes
  • In SW Washington – Most of our targeted Democratic candidates are coming up ahead in school board and other municipal elections, with Democratic stalwart Don Orange bringing in a particularly strong 68.8% in his race for re-election for Port of Vancouver. Democratic enthusiasm is alive and well in Clark County and we are ready to utilize every ounce of momentum in next year’s contest for CD 3! 
  • And In Central WA – the fight for Yakima City Council is looking like a tough one for Dulce Gutierrez who is currently down substantially, but in Sunnyside we have two bright spots with Keren Vazquez and Julie Hart both ahead by over 100 votes. While this may not sound like much, races in this city frequently come down to margins in the single digits – these are huge victories for our Democrats! 

At the end of the day we’re proud to say that most of our Democratic candidates are holding fast. We’ll keep you apprised of any major changes, but we think we have a solid picture of where races are landing across Washington. 

Once more – I want to say a massive thank you to every single person who helped get out the vote leading up to election day. Whether you helped friends and family complete and turn in their ballots, made calls in support of terrific candidates, or pounded the pavement and knocked on doors to ensure every vote was counted, your work made a huge difference and we couldn’t have achieved what we did without you!

WORKING FOR WASHINGTON

I was so excited to join the Spokane County Democrats for Election Night this past Tuesday – they sure know how to put on a Party! I was so inspired to see hundreds of Democrats show up and bring the excitement and energy for soon-to-be mayor (I hope we can drop the “soon-to-be” ASAP) Lisa Brown and so many other great Democrats!  

I’ll be taking a short break from most statewide travel for the remainder of the year – to rest and recharge in advance of what is sure to be a packed 2024. But I look forward to visiting Democrats everywhere in Washington next year. Chances are, I’ll be at a meeting near you in the coming months, so keep an eye on your local party’s calendar!  

DEMOCRATS IN THE NEWS

Abortion Rights Fuel Big Democratic Wins, and Hopes for 2024

Election results from Tuesday showed that Democrats, independents and even some moderate Republicans can coalesce around the issue.

Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear reelected to second term in Kentucky, overcoming state’s GOP dominance

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear won reelection to a second term Tuesday, notching another significant statewide victory in an increasingly red state that could serve as a model for other Democrats on how to thrive politically heading into next year’s defining presidential election.

3 winners and 1 loser from Election Day 2023

Democrats had a good night. So did abortion rights. Glenn Youngkin, not so much.

Keep in touch, stay engaged, and as always, thank you for all you do!

With gratitude,

Chair Shasti Conrad
Washington State Democratic Party
Donate

The work we do today wins elections tomorrow. 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!

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