Democrats Elect Julie Shiroishi as New Chair

On December 30, 2021, the Dutchess County Democratic Committee elected Julie Shiroishi as the Committee’s new Chairperson. Running unopposed, Shiroishi succeeds longtime Chairperson, Elisa Sumner.

Shiroishi said, “As a lifelong Democrat, I will be guided by our party’s core values of tolerance, respect, and pluralism. Whether it’s building a resilient economy and creating good-paying jobs or striving toward a more just and equitable society, Democrats are committed to making a positive difference in our communities and our lives.

“I am grateful to Elisa Sumner for her years of dedicated service and honored to be elected by my fellow Democrats to succeed her. Under Elisa’s leadership, our Committee has opened up new opportunities for Democrats in Dutchess County. This year alone, Democrats won a second term for County Comptroller Robin Lois, a new Democratic State Supreme Court Justice from Dutchess County, and numerous municipal seats.

“In a historically Republican county like Dutchess, victories like these signal that the winds are changing. Democratic priorities that support working families resonate with a growing majority of Dutchess voters. As our committee moves forward, I will work with Democrats across the Hudson Valley to continue expanding the party, engaging the electorate, and electing the Democratic representatives our county and our country need to thrive.

“Additionally, I want to expand the definition of what it means to be politically engaged and encourage anyone interested in participating in Democratic politics—whether that means running for local office or helping out behind the scenes—to contact us at dutchessdemocrats@gmail.com,” Shiroishi concluded.

Shiroishi is a resident of Beacon, where she has lived with her family. She was State Senate candidate Karen Smythe’s 2020 campaign manager and is a member of the Beacon Democratic Committee. She currently serves as Chief of Staff for Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson (D-104).

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