Happy Friday, Washington Democrats!

Programming Note

The Washington Democrats’ office will be closed next week in observance of Independence Day and to give our team a break before we go all-in for the rest of the election cycle. The Message from the Chair newsletter will return on Friday, July 11. Thank you for your understanding and continued support!

Working for Washington

On Friday, June 20 I was officially elected to be the Democratic National Committee’s newest Vice Chair. It was the longest race in DNC history, but I am grateful that the DNC members elected me decisively, 225-177 (56%). I am deeply honored and grateful to the DNC members who placed their trust in me. As a millennial, I am committed to creating more opportunities for young people to get involved and become the leaders of today - not just tomorrow. And as an AAPI leader, I’m proud to represent America’s fastest-growing voting bloc and ensure we have a seat at every table where decisions are made. I will continue in my role as Chair of the Washington State Democrats while serving as a DNC Vice Chair, and I look forward to using this new platform to boost the profile of our state party and the incredible work we accomplish together.

Iran Military Operations

I wanted to share this statement DNC Chair Ken Martin released when it was reported that the Trump administration had committed an act of war against Iran without congressional support or approval:

Democrats Fighting Back

‘Biden didn’t start any wars’: Democrats sharpen their arguments against Trump’s foreign policy, NBC News

The world is becoming more dangerous on Donald Trump’s watch, not less. Washington’s own Rep. Adam Smith made the point that Biden never started any wars and he got us out of the one war we were in. 

LGBTQ+ leader: Dems should talk about ‘kitchen table issues, not about identity,’ Politico

Speaker Laurie Jinkins and Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen are included in the Victory Institute’s Top 25 Out Power List naming the top LGBTQ+ elected officials to keep an eye on at the state and local levels.

Washington state representatives react to US strikes on Iran nuclear sites, KOMO

Our Democratic Representatives and Senators are standing up for the constitution, which guarantees that Congress, not the President, has the sole authority to declare wars. 

Call to Action 

• Rally, Protest, and Gather
• TODAY: WA Dems 2025 Pride Happy Hour - 5:30-8:30PM in Downtown Seattle. $25 for entry. Sign up now.
• TODAY: No War on Iran - 4:30-5:30PM in Spokane. Sign up here.
• Every Friday - Refuse Fascism Fridays in Everett at the Social Security Administration Office from 5PM-6:30PM. Sign up here.
• Every Monday - Mikey Mondays in Spokane outside the office of U.S. Representative Michael Baumgartner. Sign up here.
• Every Tuesday - Tesla Tuesday in Liberty Lake from 4:30PM-5:30PM. Sign up here.
• Every Wednesday - Musk or Us Protest in Redmond from 4PM-5PM. Sign up here.

• Send us details on rallies and protests in your communities 
• Email details to [email protected]

• Donate
• If you would like to see less Washington D.C. and more Washington state in your community, please DONATE to The Real Washington Fund - our rapid response account to counter MAGA’s chaos with real organizing, real solutions, and real results. We can’t do the work of holding Republicans accountable without your support.

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WA Dems 2025 Pride Happy Hour

TODAY: Washington Democrats and Stonewall Democrats are co-hosting a 2025 Pride Happy Hour on our rooftop deck with gorgeous views of Puget Sound the Friday before Seattle Pride Weekend. I’m thrilled to announce that Pennsylvania State Representative Malcolm Kenyatta will attend as our special guest. Celebrate with members of the LGBTQIA+ caucus like Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen and Senators Claire Wilson and Marko Liias as well as Attorney General Nick Brown and Washington’s first openly gay statewide executive Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove! Come join us for a brief speaking program followed by light appetizers and raise a glass to toast a happy Pride! RSVP Here.

Democrats in the News

Must watch: Rep. Kim Schrier calls out RFK Jr.’s lies, Bluesky

Spin control: Tempted to jump to conclusions on big stories? Don’t., The Spokesman-Review

Shasti Conrad, leader of the WA Democratic Party, wins DNC vice chair race, The Olympian

WA’s Conrad wins DNC leadership post, Northwest Asian Weekly

Leader of WA Democrats wins leadership post with national party, The Seattle Times