The current deputy chair of the Arlington County Democratic Committee has launched a bid to become the next chair, competing against another party leader.
Deputy Chair Paul Ruiz spent part of the Nov. 5 monthly party meeting working the room for support of his campaign to succeed Chair Steve Baker. He has said he wants to “build a Democratic committee that listens, builds up new leaders and leads with purpose.”
Ruiz joins a campaign for chair that already includes the party’s finance chair, Tony Weaver. Weaver has been actively seeking support since the spring.
The next party leader will have the task of trying to “capitalize on all the gains we’ve made this year,” said Bryan Coleman, who oversees outreach efforts for the party.
It is not unusual for county Democrats to have a contested leadership election, but this one started earlier than most. Party leaders are choosing sides, with each campaign reporting numerous notable endorsements.
Among them:
- Ruiz has been endorsed by Sen. Barbara Favola, Del. Adele McClure, County Board members Takis Karantonis and J.D. Spain, Sr., Commissioner of Revenue Kim Klingler and Clerk of the Circuit Court Paul Ferguson, as well as former party chairs Jill Caiazzo and Kip Malinosky
- Weaver has been endorsed by Del. Patrick Hope, School Board members Mary Kadera, Zuraya Tapia-Hadley and Kathleen Clark, former County Board member Walter Tejada, former School Board member Emma Violand-Sánchez and former Del. Karen Darner
As is typical, Baker plans to stay neutral in the succession race.
Baker’s election as party chair four years ago saw local Democrats opt for a more centrist approach to leadership. He defeated Matt Royer, who pressed a more progressive vision for the party.
Two years ago, Baker was unopposed for re-election. Two two-year terms is typically the limit for that post.
At the Nov. 5 meeting, members of the Democratic Committee approved rules for the reorganization meeting, to be held on Jan. 7 at Dr. Charles Drew Elementary School.
At the meeting, the posts of chair and about a dozen other leadership positions will be on the ballot, along with more than 100 precinct-captain slots that are typically unopposed.
Candidates have until Dec. 5 to file for specific offices. Democrats who wish to vote in the Jan. 7 election — which will be in-person only — must register by Dec. 15.
Candidates for contested elections will be given three minutes to speak in advance of the voting, party officials said.
Young Democrats prep leadership change: December will bring a new president of the Arlington Young Democrats, with Bryant Atkins stepping down after two years at the helm.
The organization “took me into their arms” as a new arrival in Arlington, Atkins said during the Nov. 5 meeting of the Arlington County Democratic Committee.
He quickly got involved in local politics and has not looked back.
“If you told me five years ago when I moved to Arlington, this is where I was going to be, I wouldn’t have believed you,” Atkins said of his rise in the organization.
Atkins will be succeeded as president by Austin Locke, who will preside over events marking the organization’s 95th birthday in 2026. Others taking leadership positions include Jessie Ojeda (vice president) and Owen Williams (secretary). Phil Kattato will serve as treasurer for the eighth year.
Membership in the organization is open to those ages 13 to 36, although those older can become associate members.
Through the decades, Arlington Young Democrats has served as a stepping stone in local Democratic politics. In recent years, the organization’s presidents have included Mike Lieberman, who later chaired the Arlington County Democratic Committee, and Alfonso Lopez, later was elected to the House of Delegates.
