Meet The Candidates
Voting will occur electronically from January 26-28, 2025. All DCYD members are eligible to vote. Membership in DCYD is open to every resident of the District of Columbia who is has attained the age of eighteen (18) and has not yet reached the age of thirty-six (36) and is a registered Democrat in the District of Columbia.
Candidate for President
Jamal Holtz
Two years ago, I stood before this incredible organization, asking to be president of an organization that represents over 80,000 registered young democrats in DC. Stood with a vision: to re-energize, re-engage, and inspire young people across the District to step into their power and shape the future of our democracy. A vision to bring young people together despite their independent views, but around core democratic values. Together, we’ve turned that vision into reality, building a movement that has redefined what it means to be a DC Young Democrat.
Today, I am proud of what we’ve accomplished:
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A 473% increase in dollars raised, supported by over 250 unique donors, each giving an average of $90—a testament to how deeply people believe in our mission.
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An 80% increase in new donors, bringing fresh energy and perspectives into our movement.
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An 1816% increase in recurring donations, demonstrating a strong and sustained commitment from our supporters to the ongoing work of DC Young Democrats.
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A 132% growth in memberships and subscriptions, signaling not just interest, but a sustained commitment to our shared goals.
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Over 2,500 attendees at our events, reflecting a vibrant, engaged community ready to act.
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Mobilizing over 250 people across multiple buses to organize during the last presidential election—a reminder of what we can achieve when we show up together.
These numbers are more than statistics. They represent stories—of people who found their voice, took their first step into organizing, or deepened their commitment to building a better future for young people in DC. None of this happened by chance. It was the result of intentional effort, renewed energy, and a deep belief in the power of young people to lead.
I am running for president again because our work is far from done. We’ve built a strong foundation of awareness and engagement, but now we must take the next step: moving people from participation to action. We are entering a critical year for our city, our country, and our democracy. The momentum we’ve created cannot stall; we must harness it to organize, advocate, and lead.
This is not just about elections. It’s about ensuring that DC’s young Democrats have a voice and a seat at every table where decisions are made. It’s about continuing to build a community where everyone—whether a lifelong Washingtonian or a new arrival—feels empowered to contribute. It’s about the belief that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; we are the leaders of today.
I am asking for your support to continue this work. Together, we can ensure that DC Young Democrats remains a force for progress, equity, and hope for a full and fair democracy—here in our city and across the nation. Let’s keep building, let’s keep growing, and let’s keep leading.
Candidate for Executive Vice President
Aliyah McNeely
As the current Vice President of Programming for the DC Young Democrats (DCYD), I have worked tirelessly to amplify the voices of young people across our district. During my tenure, I’ve organized events and meetings that have brought together over 2,500 attendees, connecting them with key decision-makers to foster meaningful dialogue and drive engagement.
Now, I am seeking to become the next Executive Vice President of the DC Young Democrats. I am a proud graduate of Johns Hopkins University, where I earned my Master’s in Education in 2018. I am a dedicated educator with eight years of experience in both DC public schools and public charter schools.
My experiences in the classroom exposed me to the profound inequities in our education system, inspiring me to take action. I joined the DC Education Coalition for Change (DECC) to advocate for equitable access to quality education. As Co-Chair of DECC, I organized social events, educational forums, house meetings, and live broadcasts featuring Council members and school board representatives. I also built partnerships with local leaders and organizations to advance educational equity and improve outcomes for our students. Beyond my work in education, I’ve developed significant political experience. I served as a Ward Organizer for a mayoral campaign and as Field Director for an At-Large Councilmember campaign. In these roles, I recruited DC voters for canvassing and phone banking initiatives, created events that activated new voters, and worked to increase civic participation across the city. I am currently a Legislative Policy Advisor for the Chairman of the DC Council.
I am deeply committed to empowering young leaders and advancing the values of DCYD. My leadership, organizing expertise, and dedication to advocacy uniquely position me to serve as your next Executive Vice President.
Candidate for Vice President of Programing
Dev Myers
I am confident that I am the best person to serve as an Vice President of Programs because of my deep commitment to inclusive, forward-thinking community leadership. Currently, I serve as the Executive Director of DC Young Democrats, the Recording Secretary of Ward 7 Democrats, and a National Director for a candidate recruiting firm called New Politics. While I wear many hats, my dedication to community building, public service, and leaving every organization better than I found it remains constant. These values align closely with the mission of the DC Young Democrats, where I can help foster a more equitable and responsive political landscape. My skill set includes strong communication, a nuanced understanding of community needs, event planning and a passion for organizing grassroots support. Working closely with diverse community groups has sharpened my ability to listen, empathize, and effectively advocate for the concerns of all stakeholders. I am also a strategic thinker with a knack for connecting with people personally, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. As VP of Programs, I would bring a results-oriented approach, a collaborative spirit, and a fresh perspective that emphasizes building our party’s progress. I’m eager for the opportunity to work alongside my colleagues on the DC Young Democrats to drive meaningful, positive change in our community.
Candidate for Vice President of Admin & Finance
Darius Baxter
As a committed advocate for young voices in our democracy, I bring a strong background in organizational leadership, financial management, and strategic planning to the role of VP of Administration and Finance for DC Young Democrats. My professional experience has equipped me with the tools to ensure operational efficiency, financial transparency, and the effective allocation of resources—all of which are essential to advancing our mission and empowering our membership.
In addition to my practical skills, I have a passion for fostering collaboration and accountability. I believe in creating systems that allow our members to focus on what matters most: advocating for progressive change and building a more inclusive and equitable society. I am dedicated to ensuring that DCYD has the administrative structure and financial stability needed to grow and succeed, both now and in the future.
It would be an honor to serve as your VP of Administration and Finance, and I am committed to working tirelessly to support the goals of our organization and our members.
Candidate for Corresponding Secretary
Jonathan Hill
I am the best candidate to serve as Corresponding Secretary because of my commitment to collaborating with the Board’s leadership to increase engagement among young voters in DC. Over the past two years, I have actively attended, promoted, and volunteered at DCYD events, while leveraging my professional experience—including managing a competitive race in Ward 8—to work with diverse stakeholders and effectively communicate complex topics. I bring expertise in strategic planning, policy, and organizing, with a focus on empowering voices across all eight Wards in DC’s evolving political landscape. Additionally, I am dedicated to advocating for DC statehood, defending local government autonomy against external attacks, and preparing for the challenges posed by a new administration. I look forward to strengthening DCYD’s mission and amplifying its impact.
Candidate for Treasure
Nicole Robinson
As an attorney and experienced organizational leader, I bring the skills and dedication necessary to excel as treasurer. I also have a degree in finance and have completed advanced coursework in business accounting and finance. I have the skills necessary to collect and track payments accurately, ensure that all financial records are properly maintained, and compile thorough and timely annual reports. Further, I understand the importance of meticulous record-keeping and transparent reporting to maintain trust and efficiency within an organization.
If selected as treasurer, I will ensure that all payments are accurately tracked and accounted for, that funds are collected in a timely and organized manner, and that financial reports are comprehensive and submitted promptly. My attention to detail, commitment to organizational excellence, and passion for advancing the mission of the DC Young Democrats make me well-equipped to handle the responsibilities of this role effectively.
Candidate for Corresponding Secretary
J'TA Freeman
What qualifies me for the position of Corresponding Secretary is my unwavering love for the District and its residents. My experience as the former Youth Mayor of D.C. taught me how to effectively advocate for change , gave me insight on how to empower my community, and pushed me to be a servant to other D.C. residents. Now as a singer, I am able to use my platform to easily minister, educate, and connect to people across the nation. I believe that with my talents and knowledge of D.C. and its beautiful residents, I can add another powerful dynamic to the D.C. Young Democrats. Thank you for this opportunity.
Candidate for National Committeeman
Howard Garrett
As the incumbent, I’ve worked tirelessly to strengthen relationships with Democratic organizations locally and nationally, ensuring that our shared values and priorities are advanced effectively. One of my core focuses has been promoting and emphasizing the importance of DC Statehood—not only as a local issue but as a national imperative. I have collaborated with organizations like the Young Democrats of America to ensure DC Statehood has a prominent seat at the table, educating members across the country about the critical need for representation and equality for all residents of our nation’s capital. In addition, I’ve been deeply committed to empowering the next generation of leaders. Through teaching young people in our community and engaging with other Young Dem organizations nationwide, I’ve helped equip them with the tools to advocate for meaningful change and become active participants in our democracy. By fostering stronger partnerships with national organizations, we’ve built coalitions that amplify our message and ensure that our fight for statehood and justice resonates far beyond DC. Together, we’ve made significant strides, but there’s more work to be done. With your support, I will continue to advocate, educate, and lead with a vision for our community.
Candidate for National Committeewoman
Kelsye Adams
As the current National Committeewoman, I have effectively represented DCYD on the national stage, advocating for DC’s interests and fostering key partnerships. My experience as a Black Justice Fellow, DC Statehood leader, and community advocate demonstrates my commitment to uplifting our voices and driving impactful change. I will continue to serve with passion, integrity, and a deep dedication to our shared goals.
Candidate for National Committeeman
Marquell Washington
As a committed advocate for progressive values and community engagement, I bring extensive leadership experience and a passion for empowering young Democrats to the role of Committeeman. Serving as an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner for 6D01, I have successfully led initiatives that address housing, public policy, and resource accessibility, while fostering inclusive collaboration with diverse stakeholders. My background in community advocacy, strategic planning, and public service has prepared me to represent and elevate the voices of young Democrats effectively. I am dedicated to strengthening our collective impact and ensuring that our party continues to champion equity, opportunity, and progress for all.
Candidate for National Committeewoman
Tatiana Robinson
The role of Young Democrats in our society is to be the voice and catalyst for progressive change, representing the values and priorities of the next generation. As a Black woman, I recognize that our voices are not just valuable—they are essential in shaping policies that address systemic inequities, promote justice, and uplift marginalized communities.
Young Democrats bring a fresh and necessary perspective to the political arena, advocating for issues like racial justice, climate action, education reform, and economic opportunity. We are uniquely positioned to leverage our lived experiences to demand accountability from leaders and push for bold, transformative policies that reflect the diversity and resilience of our generation.
Through grassroots activism, civic engagement, and fostering dialogue, young Democrats challenge the status quo and inspire others to believe in the power of collective action. We are the bridge between older generations and the evolving priorities of our peers, creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
Ultimately, our role is not only to participate but to lead—to be the changemakers who pave the way for a future that is fair, just, and full of opportunity for everyone.
Candidate for National Committeeman
Tyrique Mckie
As a first-generation college student at Virginia State University, I had the opportunity to attend the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference in the fall of 2019. This was a pivotal experience as I honed my political skills & engaged with elected officials that looked like me. Being an aspiring Social Activist & Politician I want to be the change that the United States of America needs.
Some of my goals include advocating for marginalized minority communities, enhancing the low-income housing system and boost funding within the public school system and medical field. Partaking in this internship will help me achieve my dream in this manner. Essentially, I want to know the law to change the law. Growing up in I often felt out of place. Not only was I mixed race, but I was also a member of the LGBTQIA community. I was bullied, teased constantly & always felt like I had to prove myself & work twice as hard just to even be acknowledged. It was extremely hard as I felt marginalized on both sides of my identities. On one end I was subjected to homophobia by conservatives & on the other I dealt with racism/colorism from my own & other minorities. All I wanted was for people to acknowledge & respect me. But everything changed when I watched an anime show called “Naruto”.
Like myself the main character Naruto was chastised in his own village. All he wanted was for his comrades to acknowledge him & to become the leader of his village which is known as a “Hokagé”. It took a long time but through hard work & perseverance he earned the respect of the same people that hated him & became Hokagé. This was a big inspiration to me as I have worked extremely hard to get to where I am today by becoming a better role model & essentially being the representation for young, black, queer kids that I didn’t have growing up. I founded the first co-ed collegiate majorette dance-line across all 107 Historically Black College or Universities in the nation whose mission is to increase Diversity, Equity & Inclusion through the art of dance, completed multiple internships at but not limited to the: United States House of Representatives White House Office, the Office of the Attorney General of Virginia & the Gloucester Institute, becam the youngest Commissioner ever in the history of the Executive Office of the Mayor of Washington D.C earned over 30,000+ hours of community service not limited to: volunteering at back to school/food/voter registration/feminine hygiene drives, teaching dance classes to children on the spectrum, orchestrate protests & have raised awareness/advocated for multiple of issues that faced my alma martyr & muchmore while graduating as Valedictorian from both Virginia State University & Georgetown University. It was then I made the promise to myself that I was going to become the first Black and Openly Queer Senator from New York State elected to the U.S Congress.
Being elected to this position and joining the DCYD will not only be an accomplishment for me but any queer black kids that want to run for office someday. I want to continue to push the agenda of making the legal/political world a non-binary, equal opportunity place for all. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application & I hope to hear from you soon.
Voting will occur electronically from January 26-28, 2025.
All DCYD members are eligible to vote. Membership in DCYD is open to every resident of the District of Columbia who has attained the age of eighteen (18) and has not yet reached the age of thirty-six (36) and is a registered Democrat in the District of Columbia.
All eligible candidates to submit and verify by the deadline are outlined in the full candidate profile.
For questions or concerns please contact the Elections Chair, Maxine Davis at youngdemsdc@gmail.com