For Immediate Release
Monday, April 6, 2020
 
Contact:
Allison Mitchell
allison@massdems.org

Boston — The Massachusetts Democratic State Committee held its reorganizational meeting on Saturday, holding the meeting of the full State Committee online for the first time in State Committee history.  The meeting saw the highest level of attendance in recent memory, with well over 400 attendees participating in the Zoom call.

In a major step to keeping our democracy moving forward and providing leadership on voting access, the State Committee voted overwhelmingly to conduct elections for District Delegate to the Democratic National Committee by mail this cycle.  This will be a significant undertaking by the Party and is designed to ensure greater access to voting for delegates while keeping voters safe and promoting social distancing.

“Democrats proved on Saturday, at our marathon 5 hour meeting, that democracy can move forward and democracy must move forward,” said Democratic Party Chair Gus Bickford.  “Our decision to move to a vote by mail system to elect delegates to the Democratic National Convention demonstrates the Party’s commitment to inclusivity and making it easier, not harder for people to participate in our democracy. This effort will be an expense to the Party, but we cannot force people to choose between their health and making their voices heard.”

During its meeting, the Party elected 99 members, re-elected Vice Chairs Debra Kozikowski and Leon Brathwaite, and re-elected Secretary Carol Aloisi.  The Party also elected by acclamation former U.S. Ambassador to Denmark, Rufus Gifford, to serve as Treasurer of the Massachusetts Democratic Party.  

“I am humbled by the support Massachusetts Democrats have placed in me by electing me their Treasurer,” said Rufus Gifford. “While we are in undoubtedly troubling and uncertain times, one thing I am certain of is with strong grassroots support and bold leadership, our Party and our country have a very bright future. I am excited to be a part of this movement.”

The Democratic Party also voted unanimously to not hold a statewide convention this year, and directed the Chair of the Party to request that Secretary Galvin place both Senator Ed Markey and Congressman Joe Kennedy III on the Democratic primary ballot for U.S. Senate.  This decision was publicly supported by Senator Markey and Congressman Kennedy.

“We accomplished an incredible amount at this meeting, but I am most proud of the level of engagement we saw at this meeting, and our members’ dedication toward advancing the values of the Democratic Party even during these difficult times.”