What is a District Leader?
District Leaders (and in Brooklyn, this role is also called “Member of the State Committee”) are the executives of the Democratic Party in Kings County. Two District Leaders represent each Assembly District, and they are elected to serve in this unpaid position for a two year term. The position often goes unnoticed and untalked about. Most District Leaders stick to their basic tasks and don’t engage with the district beyond that. But the decisions they make are significant—they select the leadership of the Brooklyn Democratic party, approve rules and actions of the party, and represent Brooklyn in the state Democratic party.
Ever wonder how polling sites are run during elections?
District Leaders staff and monitor polling sites during elections.
Ever wonder how judges are chosen in Brooklyn?
District Leaders select judicial nominees, starting the process for judges to get on the ballot.
What can they do?
Shaquana believes a District Leader can do more than the bare minimum! Any registered Democrat in a district can run to be a District Leader, and it’s one of the best ways for enthusiastic candidates to get their foot in the door of local politics, especially for people not normally invited to participate in political spaces. We have a vision for what a District Leader could do as an elected official in Brooklyn:
Meaningfully engage with district residents and County Committee members and bring their voices back to the Democratic party.
Champion civic engagement with voter registration drives and Get Out the Vote efforts
Run smoother elections and keep polling sites accessible
Fundraise and recruit active volunteers for the Democratic party
Uphold ethics and transparency and make the Brooklyn Democratic party a pillar for these ideals
Shape the vision and direction of the Democratic party and put Brooklyn on the national stage as a model for a strong and active local party