June 11, 2024 Chair Update
Hello fellow Democrats! I cannot believe it’s already June! Congratulations to all graduates! Happy Pride month, Happy Juneteenth and WOW – what a phenomenal Filing Day the Kansas Democrats had earlier this month! We have started summer with a bang, and I am super excited about the next few months!
WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO
Congratulations to our Kansas Democratic Party Vice Chair Shaun Junkins who is now the Grand Lodge Union Special Representative for the Machinists Union. Vice Chair Junkins is now responsible for up to 14 states.
I am so proud that Vice Chair Junkins is my partner as we lead the Kansas Democratic Party!
Memorial Day is the unofficial summer kickoff and, and in celebration this year we hosted a gathering of the Democratic State Committee in Wichita. It’s always heartwarming whenever I am surrounded by fellow Democrats.
The Kansas Delegation for the Aug. 19-22 Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago was recently finalized. CONGRATULATIONS to our entire delegation which includes Congressional District Delegates (elected in April), At-Large Delegates, Alternates, our DNC National Committeeman and Committeewoman and Presidential Electors for President Biden – all of whom were elected at the May 25th State Convention.
The Kansas delegation list also features DNC Standing Committee members who were appointed by the Biden Campaign. The complete list of our Delegation is below:
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Greg Mitchell
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Brock Booker
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Sherry Giebler
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John Nave
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Ronald Hobert
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Jae Moyer
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Daisy Karimi
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Kelly Atherton
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Terry Crowder
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Mike Morton
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Raiden Gonzales
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JoAnn Roth
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Kent Roth
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Gina Spade
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Emily Walters
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Ty Dragoo
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Jessica Porter
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Reed Krewson
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Jennifer Day
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Richard Nobles
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Jackson Bertoncino
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Ethan Corson
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Dinah Sykes
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Carole Cadue-Blackwood
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Deann Mitchell
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Chris Courtwright
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Lauren Martin
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Brandon Whipple
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Caleb Newfer
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Christopher Pumpelly
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Ariel Dillon
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LaWanda DeShazer
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Vic Miller
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Barbara Ballard
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Brandon Woodard
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Pat Pettey
Standing Committee Members:
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Jon Baum
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Natasha Martinez
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Jaelynn Abegg
Automatic Delegates:
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Gov. Laura Kelly
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Congresswoman Sharice Davids
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KDP Chair Jeanna Repass
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KDP Vice Chair Shaun Junkins
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DNC Committeeman Hank Chamberlain
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DNC Committeewoman Usha Reddi
We also hosted a series of virtual Votebuilder trainings in the month of May for candidates, county party leaders, and volunteers. And just last week, we held our first coordinated campaign training event bringing together county leaders from across the state to prepare them for the upcoming election.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE:
PAT YOURSELVES ON THE BACK, KANSAS DEMOCRATS!
Democrats showed out in style for Filing Day 2024. We filed Democrats for 135 state or federal offices! These are the heroes who - together with all of our support – will break the Republican supermajority in the Legislature and protect Democratic (and democratic) values in Kansas!
Democrats filed in 92 of 125 State House seats, 34 of 40 State Senate seats, all 5 State Board of Education seats, and all 4 Congressional seats.
There are also a number of strong Democrats running for county positions from District Attorney, to County Commissioners and judicial seats as well - we thank you!
Support our Governor during the upcoming Special Session on June 18th by contacting your legislator. To find and contact your legislator, visit www.kslegislature.gov/li/ and click on the left tab labeled “Find Your Legislator.”
WHAT’S COMING UP/WHAT I AM EXCITED ABOUT
With the filing deadline passed, we continue to focus on training our candidates and campaign staff support. That’s why we are hosting another round of Votebuilder trainings starting this Wednesday, June 12th.
We’re also hosting our next Campaign training event on Saturday, June 15th. You can find full details and RSVP to any of our trainings here: https://kansasdems.org/2024-candidate-portal.
FINAL THOUGHTS
As I watch Governor Kelly veto bad bill after bad bill as she stares into the face of a Republican supermajority and, as I see Patrick Mahomes hoisting another Championship trophy during a “rebuild season”, I’m reminded of what can be accomplished when we come together for a common goal…and that is ANYTHING!
I am hopeful about the work that must be done to change the status quo in our great state. We encourage you to get involved, get engaged, and help prepare a better future for all Kansans! I am inspired to continue this honorable work alongside each of you. Stay inspired, stay engaged, make good trouble and make Kansas better for all of our neighbors.