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The Young Democrats of North Carolina (YDNC) are the official youth arm of the North Carolina Democratic Party (NCDP). As an auxiliary organization of the NCDP, the President and National Committee-members of the YDNC serve as part of the State Executive Committee of the NCDP.
| Young Democrats of North Carolina | |
|---|---|
| President | Zach Finley (Rowan) |
| Executive Vice President | Chris Petty (Lee) |
| Founded | 1928 |
| Headquarters | Raleigh, North Carolina |
| Ideology | Centrism Modern liberalism Progressivism |
| Mother party | North Carolina Democratic Party |
| Website | ydnc.org |
Formed in 1928, the Young Democrats of North Carolina is the oldest Young Democrats chapter in America.[1] It founded the Young Democrats of America.[2]
It actively engages North Carolina Democrats from the ages of 18 to 36 who have an active interest in governmental affairs, who are seeking a mechanism for satisfying political expression, and who want to make the members of the Democratic Party aware that young people intend to take an active role in party affairs.[citation needed]
The Young Democrats of North Carolina (YDNC) is responsible for party organizational activity among North Carolina Democrats ages 18–36. In elections, it coordinates with state and local candidates, raises funds, and coordinates campaign strategy to bolster youth turnout.
YDNC currently is composed of 18 county chapters at the time of the 2022 Statewide Convention, held in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
In spring 2018, YDNC launched the Cardinal Candidates program aimed at increasing the turnout of young voters in districts where Young Democrats are running for office. The program currently targets 26 Congressional and state legislative districts across the state.[3]
YDNC holds its State Convention at a different location every year. At Convention, the organization holds trainings, networking receptions, and elections for statewide officers. In recent years, the YDNC has co-hosted the Convention with the College Democrats of North Carolina and the North Carolina Association of Teen Democrats.
In 2018, YDNC held its 90th Anniversary State Convention on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Senator Vin Gopal and Mayor Vi Lyles served as speakers at the Luncheon.
The 2017 State Convention, held at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, featured Mayor Pete Buttigieg as the keynote speaker.
In 2016, the State Convention was held in Raleigh, North Carolina, and included then-Attorney General Roy Cooper as the keynote speaker.
In 2014, YDNC held the Convention in Greenville, North Carolina, that featured U.S. Senator Kay Hagan and NC Attorney General Roy Cooper.
In 2022, YDNC held the Convention in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, that featured NC Supreme Court Associate Justice Sam Ervin as the Keynote Speaker.
On March 29, 2008, YDNC held its 80th Anniversary Statewide Convention in which a record 600+ people attended. Guest speakers included Chelsea Clinton, James Carville and John Edwards.[4] Although this was the first time John Edwards spoke publicly after he resigned his campaign, he did not endorse either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination.[5][6]
YDNC elects statewide officers at the yearly YDNC convention. Additionally, it appoints leaders on a yearly basis to serve on a board of trustees. Governor Jim Hunt, a former Young Democrats President, serves as the Honorary Chair of the YDNC Board of Trustees. This board serves in an advisory role to YDNC, and assists in fund raising efforts.
2023–24 Executive Officers:[7][8]
- President: Dorian Palmer of Burke County
- Executive Vice President: Anna Rios of Alamance County
- Western Regional Vice President: Jesse Ross of Haywood County
- Piedmont Regional Vice President: Alia Wofford of Forsyth County
- Triangle Regional Vice President: Daniel Franch of Johnston County
- Eastern Regional Vice President: Siara Divel of New Hanover County
- Young Democrats of America National Committee Representative (Seat 1): Zach Finley of Rowan County
- Young Democrats of America National Committee Representative (Seat 2): Katherine Jeanes of Cabarrus County
- Secretary: Josie Reed of Wake County
- Treasurer: Siara Divel of New Hanover County
- Communications Director: Garrett Readling of Cabbarus County
- Deputy Communications Director: Brendon Hipps of Buncombe County
- Finance Director: Joey Melone of Buncombe County
- Senior Advisor for Finance: Michael Careccia of Caldwell County
Former presidents
- Former US Senator and Governor Terry Sanford
- Former Governor Jim Hunt
- Secretary of State Elaine Marshall
- Democratic Strategist Morgan Jackson
- Commissioner of the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles Wayne Goodwin
- Representative Zack Hawkins
- Democratic Strategist Courtney Crowder
- Democratic Strategist Conen Morgan
- Morganton Mayor Ronnie Thompson
Notable former members
- US Senate Candidate Cal Cunningham
- Governor Roy Cooper
YDNC has worked to pass House Bill 91, In-Person Registration and Voting. The new law allows voters to register up to three days before Election Day, down from 25 days under the old law. The measure also provides several safeguards to ensure the integrity of voter registration and toughens criminal penalties for those who commit fraud.[9][10]
The official mascot of the YDNC is the "fearless" honey badger, since "Young Democrats are also devoid of fear."[11]
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