Archive for August, 2009

CHICAGO, IL— Crystal Strait, was elected President of the Young Democrats of America (YDA) with overwhelming support from across the nation, Saturday, August 8, 2009, winning by more than a two-to-one margin. Strait is the first Californian to be elected YDA President and is also the first Asian American President.

President Strait called upon the organization’s young leaders to advocate for healthcare for all, marriage equality, green jobs, help bring our immigration policy into the 21st century and to hold our elected officials accountable.  President Strait remarked upon her victory, “The Young Democrats of America are positioned to engage thousands of young people to vote in California’s upcoming elections. Young workers, young families, college and high school students will be the margin of victory in turning red American blue in 2010.”

Prior to her election, Strait served as YDA’s female representative on the Democratic National Committee. She served as President of CYD for two terms, first elected in 2005 and the reelected in 2006. Professionally, Strait most recently served as political director of the California Democratic Party, coordinating the campaign effort which resulted in President Obama’s record shattering landslide victory in California that also saw Democratic gains in the state Legislature.

Congratulations to our 2009-2011 YDA Executive Board
President: Crystal Strait of California
Executive Vice-President: Rod Snyder of West Virgina
Democratic National Committeewoman: Stephanie Hausner of New York
Democratic National Committeeman: Francisco Domenech of Puerto Rico
Vice President: Renee Hartley of Texas
Vice President: Issac Robinson of Michigan
Vice President: Colmon Elridge of Kentucky
Secretary: Emily Robinson of Illinois
Treasurer: Mark Newman of North Carolina

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The Young Democrats of America is the largest youth-led, national, partisan political organization. YDA mobilizes young people under the age of 36 to participate in the electoral process, influences the ideals of the Democratic Party, and develops the skills of the youth generation to serve as leaders at the local and national level. YDA has chartered chapters in 42 states and U.S. territories with over 2,400 local chapters. Our 200,000+ members – including middle school, high school and college students as well as young workers, young professionals and young families – reflects the broad diversity of our nation and the Democratic Party. The Young Democrats of America has been the official youth arm of the Democratic Party since 1932.