Candidates who have already declared their intention to run for elected office for the 45th District Democrats are below No updates will be made after January 11, 2025. You do not need to declare your candidacy before the January 15th reorganization meeting, you may nominate yourself or be nominated by another at the meeting, and you may rescind your candidacy at the meeting.
Offices Up for Election
Candidates who have declared their intention to run as of 1/12/25 are listed below, along with statements (if any):
- Chair (must be different gender as First Vice-chair)
- Aaron Schrader (male)
- First Vice Chair (must be different gender as Chair)
- Stacey Doerr (female)
- Second Vice Chair
- WSDCC Representatives (2 positions, must be different genders)
- Melissa Demyan (female)
- Martin Chaney (male)
- Andrew Villeneuve (male)
- KCDCC Executive Board Representatives (2 positions, must be different genders)
- Kellen Hoard (male)
- Jennifer Curtis (female)
- KCDCC Executive Board Alternates (2 positions, must be different genders)
- Ken Albinger (male)
- Stacey Doerr (female)
- King County Young Democrats Representative
- Nicholas Montgomery
- Kamil Zaidi
- King County Young Democrats Alternate
- Treasurer
- Secretary
Statements:
Aaron Schrader: I hope to serve by organizing efforts of Democrats in the 45th legislative district to educate voters, find candidates for public office, and push government officials to use their authority to improve people’s lives. Problems in the environment, housing, healthcare, education, and employment besiege us. Together we can meet these challenges in a way that brings everyone along.
Stacey Doerr: Since becoming active in the 45th last year, I have worked in a variety of areas. As Membership Chair, I sent welcome emails to everyone who joined the mailing list or became a member. I did data work to get precinct level data on where our members live, how each precinct votes, and how hard a precinct is to walk. Then wrote code to put that kind of data on a map. I helped the PCO committee with walk lists around election time. And I have ideas to do more in those areas and others. It turns out I like having a broad view of things and helping out in whatever area needs it most. I’m running for Vice Chair because I think that will be a good match between what the org needs and what I’m good at. In addition to being a backup for the Chair, Vice Chair is a good role to see where we could do better as an org and pitch in. I’m also running for KCD EBoard Alternate as I think it would be interesting to see if we can use KCD to find and promote best practices among the LDs.
Nicholas Montgomery: I believe organizing is the best way to achieve success. I have been honored to use my skills to serve this community. I know how to organize and I know that it works. I am excited to continue making sure everyone’s voices and interests are heard.
Melissa Demyan: It was an honor running to be our next state house representative. I want to continue the work that we started over the last two years, bringing organizing to forefront of our efforts. I will continue to fight for the issues our district cares about!
Martin Chaney: I believe my experience uniquely qualifies me to optimally represent the 45th and its members to the State Party. – Prior experience as a State Committee Member from the 5th LD – Past Chair of the 45th LD – Past Chair of the 5th LD – Leadership experience in various constituency caucus State Committee Members, Local Party Organization Chairs, and constituency caucuses all participate at State Party meeting in various capacities and my experiences give me a multi-faceted understanding of how the State Party works and will make me effective as your representative. If honored to be one of your representatives, I pledge to – Establish regular Zoom office hours to listen to your input on issues to bring forward to the state organization – Represent the interests of the 45th and its members to the State Party – Improve reporting to the 45th on actions at the State Party both before and after meetings.
Kellen Hoard: I was honored to be selected as the interim representative late last year, and would appreciate your vote to continue in that role through the upcoming biennium. Building a stronger partnership with the King County Democrats – both by ensuring that our work on the ground is incorporated into their decision-making and by ensuring that our members receive critical information about the initiatives they are undertaking – is a top priority for me, and will allow us to build out a strong, sustainable apparatus for community organizing and progressive policymaking. Thanks!
Jennifer Curtis: Hi! I’ve been involved in community organizing off/on since I was a kid raising money for George McGovern. When I left New England after getting my MBA I went to TX to try to save onshore manufacturing for Levi Strauss, and to work with the Dallas Peace Center to protest the first Iraq War. Work (Microsoft) eventually brought me to WA by way of San Francisco. I have since worked in development for nonprofits and startups. I currently consult to an international nongovernmental org that delivers aid and does development. I’m a PCO (Trillium), planning to help with organizing, and eager to deal with the formidable challenges facing us. I’d love your support. Thanks for reading!
Ken Albinger: I have been active with the 45th Dems since 2004, when George W Bush had lied us into a war in Iraq. I soon organized and led the PCOs doorbelling for years,, served on the endorsements committee for 6 years and then served as our District chair from 2015-18. Since retiring in 2018, I have worked fundraising and Legislative Action. I like to attend the KC Dems meetings to see what else is happening around the largest county in WA State. I will text with the new KC Dems reps to discuss issues and help our new reps get started. Ken Albinger
Jennifer Davis: Greetings! I am passionate about the values of the Democratic Party and want to help ensure we have the financial stability to make a real impact. With my background in contract management and attention to detail (as well as guidance and mentoring from your wonderful current treasurer) I’m confident I can manage our finances with transparency and care. I’m also a strong communicator and team player, which will help keep everyone informed and on the same page. As treasurer, I’d work hard to support our shared mission and make sure we’re set up for success.
Becky Chaney: I am seeking to remain, with your support, as the 45th District Democrats board secretary. My general focus is the balance of human needs within a finite and unstable ecosystem. If re-elected, I will: • continue to take minutes for both the Membership and Eboard meetings • continue to ensure organizational records are accurately maintained and accessible • continue working for the long-term strength of the 45th Legislative District Democrats • continue to promote and participate in an ongoing dialog that identifies and recognizes the “Democratic Values” shared by our local membership. -Becky