Shasti Conrad Elected DNC Vice Chair, Making History and Charting the Party’s Future

AMTV, Washington DC Jun 22 – Washington State Democratic Party Chair Shasti Conrad was elected Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), earning 225 votes—55.69% of the 402 votes cast. With this victory, Conrad becomes the first South Asian American to be elected as a DNC officer, marking a significant milestone that reflects the changing demographics of the United States.

Conrad stated, “As a millennial, I’m committed to creating more opportunities for young people to get involved and become the leaders of today—not just tomorrow. And as an Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) leader, I’m proud to represent America’s fastest-growing voting bloc.”

Her election continues a proud DNC tradition in this millennium of electing Asian American and Pacific Islander leaders as DNC officers. AAPIs now number over 25 million in the U.S., representing the fastest-growing demographic group. Conrad’s leadership not only acknowledges this growth but also amplifies the voices of a community the Trump Administration has been attacking at institutions of higher education, worksites, research institutions, AAPI historic contributions in building this country, contracts, and health care services.

DNC AAPI Caucus Chair Bel Leong-Hong was ecstatic about the election. Chair Leong-Hong along with other AAPI Caucus leader were staunch supporters of Conrad, contacting DNC members throughout the 50 states and 7 territories.

As a naturalized immigrant, Conrad’s personal story stands in stark contrast to the anti-immigrant rhetoric of the Trump Administration. Her lived experience offers a powerful counter-narrative to efforts to demonize immigrants, both documented and undocumented. As a DNC officer, she will bring a deeply personal and authentic voice to national conversations about immigration, equity, and inclusion.

Conrad was raised by a single mother who was able to support their family thanks to a good-paying, public sector union job. Her story starkly contrasts with Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill”—a tax package that hands massive benefits to the ultra-wealthy while gutting support for working families and attacking unions. Her journey is not just inspiring—it is a testament to the importance of public investment, workers’ rights, and a social safety net.

In electing Conrad, the Democratic Party also signals a renewed commitment to young voters. She was the only millennial among the final three candidates for Vice Chair and joins Pennsylvania State Representative Malcolm Kenyatta, the youngest DNC officer, who was elected Vice Chair just a week prior. With millennials and Gen Z poised to soon become the majority of the electorate, Conrad’s presence helps bridge the generational gap and speaks directly to the concerns of younger Americans.

Despite being the youngest of the finalists, Conrad brings two decades of experience in Democratic Party politics. She began by volunteering in campaigns, interned for then–Vice President Joe Biden, and worked in the Obama White House in the Office of Civic Engagement. Her leadership continued at the grassroots level, serving as Vice Chair and later Chair of the King County Democratic Party. She went on to become Chair of the Washington State Democratic Party and then Vice Chair of the Western Region of the Association of State Democratic Chairs.

Now elected as DNC Vice Chair through 2028, Shasti Conrad embodies the Democratic Party’s values and future. Her election represents not only a historic moment but also a strategic step toward a more inclusive, dynamic, and representative party leadership.