Gen-Z Has Taken the Reigns in Dutchess County

POUGHKEEPSIE – The Duchess County Young Democrats have announced their newly elected 2023 Executive Board, including the election of a new President, Daniel Hyatt and Vice President Michael Natrella, both of whom are 24 years old. The Young Dems held their annual elections on Wednesday, January 25th where the general body elected the new leadership team. During the meeting, the young dems stressed the importance of civic action and leadership in such an important election cycle.

Daniel Hyatt is a communications and Ad-Tech professional with extensive experience in government and activism. He currently sits on the City of Poughkeepsie’s ethics board, has worked on economic justice issues, as well as LGBTQIA+ causes, women’s rights issues, and indigent defense campaigns. Hyatt has worked on numerous campaigns including the WNY effort for the 2016 Clinton campaign and was the recipient of the 2014 Youth Advocate of the Year award.

“I am honored to be chosen to lead this group of talented young people. Young people are at the heart of our democracy and I am excited to help make sure our voices are heard.” says President Daniel Hyatt. “I am excited for the years ahead and plan to make the Young Dems the keystone of the local Democratic party. I am thankful to both Ethan Pine and Vincent Pedi for all of the hard work they’ve done to build a strong foundation and for agreeing to stay on my leadership & advisement teams.”

Yvette Valdés Smith, Minority Leader of the Dutchess County Legislature said, “I am thrilled Daniel Hyatt will be taking the reins of the Dutchess County Young Democrats. He is tenacious, brilliant, and progressive. His work speaks for itself and I look forward to many years of continued good work and progress together. I want to thank Vincent Pedi for his outstanding leadership during 2022, as well as Ethan Pine for rechartering the group in 2021, their efforts were instrumental in supporting young Democrats in Dutchess County.”

The Duchess County Young Democrats additionally emphasized synergy and partnership with the county committee as a priority for the upcoming election cycle.

“Our Dutchess County Young Democrats continue to provide an important arena where younger people can connect to share ideas, goals, and current events. With many residents believing politics are nothing more than a constant partisan battle, it’s important to remember that the younger generations are ready to tackle many of the most intractable issues boomers have been unable to solve,” Says Michael Dupree, Chair of the Dutchess County Democratic Committee. “Whether it’s focusing on bringing sustainable jobs, protecting freedoms like reproductive choice, improving choices for seniors’ who need more care or ensuring their own children have clean air and water and a normal climate, our young Democrats are entrepreneurial and charting new ways to provide a better future. The Dutchess County Democratic Committee is excited to see another successful transition to new leadership and stands ready to assist Daniel Hyatt as he places his own stamp on the organization.”

Many Young Dem alumni have announced candidacy for public office, including members of the current leadership team.

Vincent Pedi, Former DCYD President, Candidate for Councilmember At-Large City of Poughkeepsie: “Daniel has been one of our most active and passionate members and I am proud to support him as our new President. The Dutchess County Young Democrats serve at the forefront of youth engagement, and we have a proven track record of supporting young people throughout their journey of civic involvement. With an exciting year of local elections ahead of us, Daniel is the perfect person to lead our organization as we work towards electing Democratic candidates throughout Dutchess County.”

Also elected to the organization’s leadership team: incoming Vice President Michael Natrella is the current chair of the Fishkill Democratic Committee. Additionally, Vincent Pedi, will stay on as Treasurer.

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