News & Updates

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Want to run for public office? Interested in learning how to run a campaign? Join us for The Art and Science of Running for Office. 

Top-to-bottom campaign training workshop for students, community leaders considering a run for public office, and future campaign activists looking to make a substantive contribution to an electoral effort. Program is run by Political Science alumni, George Rakis. 

Training will take place from March 1st through March 14th utilizing a mix of MyClasses and Zoom. Information on accessing the material is provided after signing-up. 

Sign-up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-art-and-science-of-running-for-office-tickets-106950090600

Schedule:

Monday, March 1st, 6 pm Keynote 

Martin O’Malley

Tuesday, March 2nd, 6 pm 

Civic Reflection Alexander Pope

Tuesday, March 2nd, 6:30 pm 

Intro to Campaign Planning GeorgeRakis/Lucinda Ware

Thursday, March 4th, 6 pm Electoral Targeting Tom Bonior

Saturday, March 6th, 11 am Campaign Organizing  Chuck Cook/David Sloan

Monday, March 8th, 6 pm Asking for Money Megan Chambers

Tuesday, March 9th, 6 pm Message Development Sheila O’Connell/Jen Burton

Wednesday, March 10th, 6 pm 

Digital Organizing 

Josh Koster

Thursday, March 11th, 6 pm 

Plan Writing & Wrap-up 

George Rakis/Lucinda Ware

Thursday, March 11th, 6 pm Closing Session  Alexander Pope

Please reach out to PACE if you have any questions. 

Institute for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement

Salisbury University

1212 Camden Ave, Salisbury, MD 21801

410-677-5054
 

It Takes You, It Takes Me, It Takes ALL OF US . . .

State Party Rules require that in every year following a presidential election, the entirety of the Delaware Democratic Party Reorganizes.  

At its most basic level, the Delaware Democratic Party is made up of a series of local committees. Every year following a presidential election the seats on each of those committees are opened up for re-election. This process is known as Reorganization and is a prime opportunity for new Democrats to engage with the Party infrastructure.

Throughout the first 4 months of 2021, each Representative District and Wilmington City Ward Committee must hold a public meeting to elect their membership. Any resident who is registered as a Democrat and has not been a registered member of another political party for at least 1 year is eligible to serve on their district's committee. A full list of the scheduled reorganization events can be found on our Upcoming Events page.  
 

It Takes You, It Takes Me, It Takes ALL OF US . . .

 The 14th RD Democratic Party Committee will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, February 10 at 5:30 on Zoom. The Committee is the local arm of the Delaware Democratic Party for the area spanning from the communities surrounding the City of Lewes down through Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach and stretching westward to Angola. The Committee will begin planning its voter outreach and candidate recruitment strategies for the upcoming year.  Any registered Democrat is welcome to attend. Please email DE14RDDems@gmail.com for the Zoom link.
 

It Takes You, It Takes Me, It Takes ALL OF US . . .

Delaware's 14th Representative District Democratic Committee joins millions of Americans celebrating and "learning" during Black History Month.  

The link below will take you to various Black History Month events throughout Delaware:

https://history.delaware.gov/2020/01/21/african-american-history-month-programs-among-14-events-sponsored-by-the-division-during-february-2020/

This link will take  you to the State Blog wherein it Spotlights Louis L. Redding, Fred T. Johnson, Samuel D. Burris, and Pauline A. Young. 

https://firststate.blogs.delaware.gov/black-history-month-spotlight-louis-l-redding-fred-t-johnson-samuel-d-burris-pauline-young/

It Takes You, It Takes Me, It Takes ALL OF US . . .

Dear Delaware Democrat,

In a little under a week, Joseph R. Biden will be sworn in as the 46th President of the United States. I'm sure you'll agree that here in Delaware we could not be more elated to have one of our own in the White House. That being said, I wanted to take some time to share our inauguration day plans with you. 

With the country facing multiple unprecedented crises, many states and the inaugural committee itself have had to move the festivities to the virtual space. We're no exception. I cannot stress this enough, please do not travel to Washington for next week's inauguration. As much as we would all love to see Joe Biden take the oath and celebrate in person, it simply isn't feasible right now. 

Instead, I would like to invite you to join us for a virtual event that you'll be able to enjoy the comfort of your home. 

Together with the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, we have organized a special event celebrating the two states that Joe Biden has called home! Whether he's shouting out Scranton, Claymont, or somewhere in between, Joe has never been shy about just how much he cherishes his local roots. We and the PA Dems teamed up to honor those roots as Biden makes history on Wednesday afternoon. 

Kicking off shortly after the ceremony itself, we'll gather virtually at 2:00 pm to hear an excellent slate of speakers including Senator Chris Coons, his colleague Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, and our Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester. We've also got a pair of dynamic Philadelphia based musical acts lined up, with performances by Jeff Bradshaw & the All Call Band, and Low Cut Connie. Joe Biden himself is even scheduled to make a special appearance! 

This event is free to attend but we are encouraging folks to donate what they can to help support our work to elect Democrats. 

Click here to RSVP to this virtual inauguration event with the Delaware and Pennsylvania Democrats! 

This Wednesday will be a historic day for America but will hold a uniquely special place in the hearts of many Delawareans and Pennsylvanians. I hope that you will consider joining us to celebrate this once in a lifetime moment together. 

Best,

Travis R. Williams

Delaware Democratic Party

The Progressive Democrats of Sussex County are honored to participate with the Presidential Inaugural Committee on Dr. Martin Luther King National Day of Service, January 18, 2021.

Shelter and food are basic needs for sustaining life.

Lighthouse for Broken Wings currently provides shelter in a local motel for approximately 40 adults and 25 children who are homeless this winter. Motel rooms are a cost-effective and safe way to help the homeless – especially this year. Sheltering in individual motel rooms helps stop the spread of COVID-19 by allowing CDC guidelines to be followed. 

The shelter was founded by Toni Short, a registered nurse and a 2020 recipient of the Governor's Outstanding Volunteer Award. Toni will be recognized on January 18 for providing “a holistic, wraparound approach to getting individuals and families experiencing homelessness back on their feet.”

Each motel room costs $3600 for a three-month stay. 

Please donate to help Lighthouse for Broken Wings provide warm rooms and hot meals through the winter months. Maybe share a portion of your Covid Relief check? 

The Progressive Democrats of Sussex County will donate $100 in gift cards from a local supermarket for every $500 donated to Lighthouse for Broken Wings.

Make checks payable to Lighthouse for Broken Wings.

Donations are tax deductible.  

Please include your postal and email addresses with your donation.

Please bring your donation to one of the sites listed below between January 8 and January 16. Each site will have a container on the front porch. For security reasons, please drop off your check between 9 AM and 5 PM.

If none of these sites are convenient, please mail your check as soon as possible to:

Joanne Cabry

10 Sheffield Road

Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971

We will present the checks and gift cards to Lighthouse for Broken Wings on January 18 to honor the memory of Dr. King and to celebrate the empathetic leadership of the Biden-Harris administration. We will share a video of the event with you.

Thank you.

Joanne Cabry

Chair

Progressive Democrats of Sussex County

Donation Sites (container box on front porch of each site noted below):

Cyndi Brett 25329 Shelby Court Millsboro (Plantation Lakes) cyndi.j.brett@gmail.com

Joanne Cabry 10 Sheffield Road Rehoboth (One mile off Rte. 1) sussexprogressives@gmail.com 

Lynda Holup 20560 Annondell Drive Lewes (Hart’s Landing -Rte. 24) llholup@gmail.com

Pat Makos 35213 Overfalls Drive Lewes (off Gills Neck Road) patkms@comcast.net

Carolyn Quinn 17184 Exton Street Lewes (Villages of Five Points) cquinn@quinnassoc.com

January 13 at 5 p.m. We are hopeful you may be interested in participating ......

To do so, you must register according to the details below. Let me know if you have any questions.

Please feel free to share this information with your Democratic friends! 

I know we have just completed (almost – GA Senate election on Tuesday) a big election year – but there is much ahead of us! Lot’s of excitement ahead!!

2021 - year of redistricting pursuant to census results. Lots of opportunities for newcomers to the area to get involved, learn about state government and learn how to run. Lots of opportunities for the RD to get to know our new neighbors.

2022 - election year for State Senate and House (our Pete S) and State Attorney General (Kathy Jennings) and Auditor of Accounts (our Kathy McGinnis), and Federal House of Reps(LBR has this seat now) and Sussex Council Dist 4.

2023 - prepare for 2024. Recruit candidates for County Row offices and Sussex Council Dist 3, back statewide and Federal candidates.

2024 - the next big election year. All out GOTV.

And throughout, fundraising fun drives!!!!

ON TO THE CAUCUS DETAILS ----

The 14th Representative District Democratic Committee will hold a Virtual Caucus on January 13th at 5 pm on the Zoom platform for the purpose of selecting the Committee Members to lead the local party (14th RD) for the next four years.

The Caucus is open to all registered Democrats who reside in the 14th RD. 

This year’s Caucus will be unique due to COVID-19 as it will be virtual and attendees will be able to share a single connection (e.g., household members may attend together).

To attend the 2021 Caucus, you must register in advance, no later than 12 noon on January 13th, and have your information validated prior to the start of the meeting. One your residency and party registration has been validated, you will be emailed Zoom connection details.

To Register, send an email to: DE14RDDems@gmail.com PLEASE REGISTER ASAP

Please include:

1. Full legal name

2. Residence address

3. Email address

4. Phone

5. Gender

6. Have you lived in the 14th RD for at least one year?

7. What is your polling location?

8. Are you interested in becoming a member of the 14th RD Democratic Committee?

Some background – What’s a Representative District (RD) Committee?

The DE Legislature has 41 House Districts, nine of which are in Sussex County. The Democratic Party has a Committee for each of these Districts. These Committees are the local level official component of the State and National Democratic Parties.

The polling locations for the 14th RD are: Lewes Fire Hall (downtown), Cape Henlopen HS, Rehoboth Fire Hall 1 (downtown), Beacon Middle School, Fire Station 3 on Rt. 24, Rehoboth Fire Station 2 (Rt. 1), Rehoboth Elementary School.

Who is on an RD Democratic Committee?

An RD Committee is composed of Democrats who have stepped up to provide guidance and support to local Democratic efforts. Duties include attending monthly meetings and party functions and performing tasks that support the Democratic Party and it’s candidates and causes.

Committee Members have voting privileges at Committee meetings. Most Committee meetings are open to all Democrats, but only Committee Members can vote. The maximum number of Committee Members is determined by the Electoral Districts (precincts) within the the RD. For the 14th, it 21 (3 per polling location). 

What will happen at the Caucus?

Attendees should plan to connect to the meeting by 4:45 p.m. Although a brief grace period will be allowed for technical difficulties, no one will be allowed to connect after 5:10 p.m.

When people register for the Caucus, they will indicate if they have an interest in serving on the RD Committee (self-nomination). Nominations will be open at the Caucus meeting as well.

Following nominations, if there are more candidates than positions (21), an election will be held.

Once Committee Membership has been established, those members will continue to meet to elect RD Committee Officers: Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer and Secretary.

For more information see website: https//:14thrddeldems.com  or 

Face Book: Delaware’s14thRDDemocraticCommittee

Thanks everyone! Hope to see you on the 13th!

Dick Byrne, Chair

14th RD Democratic Committee

Delaware House Democrats 

House Democrats filed measures Friday as part of an ongoing effort to remove barriers and increase participation in Delaware elections.

The bills, filed by Rep. David Bentz, Rep. Stephanie T. Bolden, and Rep. Sherry Dorsey Walker, would establish no-excuse absentee voting, consolidate Delaware's presidential and state primaries, and allow same-day (Election Day) voter registration in Delaware. Taken together, these proposals are part of an ongoing effort to move Delaware’s elections into the 21st century and provide residents with increased access to the polls.

Rep. Dorsey Walker talks about the significance of ensuring that all people have the right and ability to safely vote.

Read more about these proposals here: https://bit.ly/33KA7vK

Dear Delaware Democrats,

As you may have heard, today is my final day as Chair of the State Party. Tomorrow I will begin a new role with New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer as his Deputy Chief Administrative Officer. 

While I'm excited about this new opportunity, I have to admit that leaving the helm of the Party I love is bittersweet. 

I'm so proud of all we've accomplished together, and I know that it would not have been possible without all the tireless grassroots organizing work of so many of you. 

I've always said that power in our Party flows from the bottom up, and you're all proof that's the case. You've empowered us to do extraordinary things over the last two cycles, culminating with electing our own Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to the White House.

Locally, Democrats won and now hold all nine statewide elected offices for the first time, while three State Senate seats, one State House seat, and one New Castle County Council seat flipped from red to blue.

Winning elections is obviously the goal of a political party, but it's how we did it that I'm proud of most. We worked hard to open up our Party to hundreds of new activists, donors, campaign staff, and candidates, who now feel at home under the Delaware Democratic Party banner. 

For me, it's not just about the number of seats we hold, it's the fact that the people who hold them reflect Delaware's diversity more than ever before. It's the fact that from D.C. to Dover, our leaders are doing the hard work the makes our state a healthier, more prosperous, and more equitable place for everyone who calls it home. 

While my decision to move on was a difficult one, it was made easier knowing my friend and Vice Chair Betsy Maron would finish out my term.

Betsy has been by my side every step of the way. She's a friend and confidant, but more than that she's someone who is deeply committed to our Party and its progress. 

Prior to being elected Vice Chair and selected as a member of the DNC's Executive Committee, Betsy served as Chair of the New Castle County Democratic Committee. She's also been a longtime member of the 12th Representative District's Democratic Committee. 

In 2020, Betsy helped lead the Party's Coordinated Campaign effort - the Party's voter turnout entity that helped our state shatter previous voter participation records. She is poised to become the first woman to lead 

the Delaware Democratic Party in its history, and I hope you'll join me in welcoming her as our new Chair. 

With gratitude,

Erik Raser-Schramm

Chair, Delaware Democratic Party

I am honored and humbled by the trust the American people have placed in me and in Vice President-elect Harris.

In the face of unprecedented obstacles, a record number of Americans voted. Proving once again, that democracy beats deep in the heart of America.

With the campaign over, it’s time to put the anger and the harsh rhetoric behind us and come together as a nation.

It’s time for America to unite. And to heal.

We are the United States of America. And there’s nothing we can’t do, if we do it together.

I’m going to speak to the nation tonight and I’d love for you to watch.

You can watch my remarks by tuning in to this link when we go live tonight, just click here.

https://live.joebiden.com/c/victory

Joe Biden

 Eastern Sussex for the State Senate

RED TO BLUE VIRTUAL FUNDRAISER

Wednesday - October 21 – 6 p.m.

A Virtual Fundraiser for two Key State Senate candidates Who Can Flip these Seats from Red to Blue in New Castle County, DE: Kyle Evans Gay and Spiros Mantzavinos.
Kyle and Spiros are running in two of the Top 10 “most likely to flip Blue” state senate districts nationwide! 

 They both are excellent candidates and fantastic people.  With a Blue Wave on the horizon, they need our help to have the resources to engage directly with voters.

Click below to donate and receive your Zoom Link:

https://secure.actblue.com/donate/easternsussexforthestatesenate 

DelDems call on DEGOP to renounce Lauren Witzke

Delaware Democratic Party Chairman Erik Raser-Schramm has issued the following statement on the Delaware Republican Party and their U.S. Senate nominee Lauren Witzke:

For years, the Delaware GOP has feigned deafness at the shrill dog whistles of racism and bigotry of President Trump and his enablers. That silence has bred more than complicity; it’s bred copycat behavior from its Party leaders, candidates, and elected officials here in the First State.  Read More . . .