California Democratic Party, County Democratic Parties and Contest Every Race Announce Statewide Candidate Recruitment Initiative
PRESS RELEASE
SACRAMENTO – Today, the California Democratic Party in partnership with County Democratic Parties, including the Placer County Democratic Party and Contest Every Race is launching a statewide texting campaign to recruit hundreds of Democrats to run for local office, with a focus in rural areas where GOP incumbents often run uncontested. This is part of a national campaign by Contest Every Race to ensure that no Republican goes unchallenged.
The California Democratic Party is launching this program again this cycle as evidence continues to build that more Democrats running in local elections boosts Democratic voter turnout and enthusiasm, which is key to ensuring Democrats win targeted congressional races and take back the House of Representatives in November.
The 2026 candidate recruitment program is targeting 348 local down-ballot races across the following 33 counties: Alameda, Amador, Butte, El Dorado, Glenn, Humboldt, Imperial, Kings, Lake, Lassen, Madera, Mendocino, Mono, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano, Stanislaus, Tehama, Tulare, Tuolumne, Ventura and Yuba.
"We're thankful for the opportunity to partner with the California Democratic Party in our efforts to recruit Democratic candidates here in Placer County," said Nick Bennett, Chair of Placer County Democratic Central Committee. "These down-ballot races, from school boards to city council, are where Democrats can make a real difference in the day-to-day lives of working people in our community."
Placer County has seen an orchestrated effort to add more “extremists” to school boards in the last several years, severely undermining the traditional public school values of our communities by pushing extreme and minority viewpoints and policies - from book bans to flag bans to anti-abortion videos.
The Placer County Democratic Party supports the over 90,000 thousand registered Democrats in Placer County to build a strong and better community for all.
The California Democratic Party is the largest state party in the nation with more than 10 million members, and helped deliver a resounding victory for Proposition 50 in last year’s Special Election.
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Contact Nick Bennett at chair@placerdems.org for questions
Placer County Democratic Party condemns state-sanctioned violence against American citizens
PRESS RELEASE
The Placer County Democratic Party mourns the tragic and senseless loss of Alex Pretti, a dedicated 37-year-old ICU nurse and American citizen, who was fatally shot yesterday by a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis. We also continue to grieve for Renee Nicole Good, a mother of three, poet, and American citizen, who was killed by an ICE agent on January 7, 2026. In less than one month, under the Trump Administration's aggressive directives, federal law enforcement agents have unleashed excessive and lethal force that has claimed the lives of two American citizens in Minneapolis. This represents an increasingly chilling pattern of abuse of power, where unaccountable federal agents operate with impunity, turning our streets into zones of terror.
We also condemn in the strongest terms this administration's escalating campaign of deception and dehumanization by falsely branding American citizens as "criminals" and "terrorists" to justify mounting deaths, brutal injuries, and violent mistreatment of peaceful protesters and legal observers. This is not law enforcement. It is state-sanctioned violence that erodes the very foundations of democracy and betrays American values. We urge every U.S. Senator to vote against the upcoming Department of Homeland Security funding bill that would perpetuate the continuation of these unchecked and indefensible abuses.
Placer County Democrats stand resolutely with the families of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti in demanding full accountability, transparent investigations, and swift justice for those responsible for these killings. We fiercely oppose the weaponization of federal agencies into secret, unaccountable paramilitary forces that answer to political whims rather than the rule of law. Our hearts beat with those who courageously and non-violently resist the Trump Administration's un-American assault on our communities, our rights, and our humanity.
Nick Bennett, Chair
Placer County Democratic Central Committee
Democratic Club of Lincoln Celebrates Annual Holiday Dinner with Rep. Eric Swalwell and Local Candidates
The Democratic Club of Lincoln held its highly anticipated Annual Holiday Dinner last night, December 18, 2025, at the Orchard Creek Ballroom in Sun City Lincoln Hills. The festive evening brought together local residents and political leaders to reflect on this year’s achievements and look forward to the 2026 election cycle.
The evening’s keynote speaker, U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell, appeared via Zoom to address the crowd. Rep. Swalwell discussed ways he has fought the current Trump Administration and what he would do as Governor of California. Rep. Swalwell recently announced his gubernatorial campaign.
Ruth Cox, President of the Democratic Club of Lincoln, also addressed the packed crowd. Ruth highlighted the amazing achievements of the Lincoln Club and their historic numbers of over 600 members. The Placer County Democratic Party is proud of our charted club and the tremendous work and effort Lincoln Democrats contributed to the overwhelming passage of Prop. 50.
The event also featured special guest appearances by two Democratic candidates for the 2026 state elections:
Neva Parker, candidate for State Assembly District 5. Learn more at https://www.nevaparkerforassembly.com/
David Hildebrand, candidate for State Senate District 6. Learn more at https://www.votehildebrand.com/
Photos courtesy of Neva Parker for Assembly Campaign.
The Placer County Democratic Party stands against the statements made by Lincoln Mayor and county supervisorial candidate Holly Andreatta at Twelve Bridges High School
Background: High school students in Lincoln are petitioning to disband a new Club America chapter at Twelve Bridges High after Mayor Holly Andreatta spoke at its inaugural meeting and made remarks many students viewed as homophobic, historically inaccurate, and inflammatory.
Her comments included linking her daughter’s sexual orientation to childhood trauma, calling separation of church and state a "myth," and repeating claims attributed to Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk about Martin Luther King Jr.
Students circulated recordings of the speech, saying it emboldened racist and anti-LGBTQ+ behavior on campus, while Andreatta says her remarks were taken out of context and meant to promote love despite disagreement. The school district says it must allow the club under federal law, even amid controversy, as students continue gathering signatures to have it removed.
Source: https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/education/article313657871.html
The Placer County Democratic Party stands against the statements made by Lincoln Mayor and county supervisorial candidate Holly Andreatta at Twelve Bridges High School, as reported by the Sacramento Bee. Placer County Democrats strive for a Placer County that is welcoming of all people, without judgment of who they are. The diversity of our neighbors adds richness to our communities.
Mayor Andreatta’s statements regarding sexual orientation, religion, and race were harmful to the students who listened to her and perpetuate harm to communities throughout Placer County. Her statements regarding being gay or lesbian are stigmatizing to the LGBTQ+ community. Unlike what Mayor Andreatta said, our nation’s separation of church and state is real and is a foundational principle intended to protect religious diversity and prevent religious based bias by our government. Mayor Andreatta spread the lie that safety and employment standards have been lowered to hire African Americans and other racial minorities. This undercuts hard work of millions of people who earned their positions and hurts efforts to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to pursue all fields of employment and are welcomed to do so. Mayor Andreatta’s statements about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. only served to diminish his accomplishments and tarnish his life’s work of seeking racial and economic justice.
We hope that other elected officials in Placer County publicly disavow such statements and commit to making Placer County and its towns and cities more welcoming for visitors and residents alike. People should feel safe in our communities and not feel excluded by their elected officials. California and the United States have a history of progress towards religious, racial, and gender equality, and the Placer County Democratic Party will continue its work for those ideals.
Lincoln Mayor Holly Andreatta with State Assemblymember Joe Patterson (R-Rocklin), who represents Placer County.
Democratic Candidate Neva Parker, who is running against Joe Patterson said in a newsletter, “I was deeply disturbed by recent comments made by the Lincoln Mayor and Joe Patterson endorsee Holly Andreatta about her own daughter. Suggesting that sexual orientation is the result of trauma is wrong, harmful, and dangerous. Additional remarks about Martin Luther King Jr. only added to that concern.”
“As your Assembly candidate, I want to be clear: I will stand up to rhetoric like this, push back against misinformation, and fight for policies that protect LGBTQIA+ youth and families.
This election is about the kind of community we choose to be. If you believe love should be celebrated and defended, I ask for your support.”
You can learn more about Neva at https://www.nevaparkerforassembly.com/
Ruth Cox, president of the Democratic Club of Lincoln called on Andreatta to resign and on the Lincoln city council to censure Andreatta.
"At a very minimum," Cox said. "I think it's important for the city council to state very clearly that they don't agree with these statements that were made."
Cox further stated in a Reader Input to Gold Country Media, that “Lincoln City Councilmember Holly Andreatta’s recent claim that the separation of church and state is a “woke myth” reflects a troubling level of ignorance for any public official.”
“These statements demonstrate a pattern of misinformation and prejudice that should disqualify anyone from holding public office. What we have witnessed is a Lincoln City Councilmember promoting white Christian nationalist propaganda to high school students. She does not speak for the people of Lincoln.
Now, Ms. Andreatta seeks to bring those same White Christian nationalist views to the Placer County Board of Supervisors.
As a resident of both Lincoln and Placer County, I can say with confidence that our community is diverse, inclusive and thriving. We do not want, need or deserve public officials who traffic in ignorance, bigotry or historical denial.
The views Holly Andreatta expressed last week are not representative of our values and have no place in public service.”
On December 16, 2025, Hundreds filled the room at the WPUSD board meeting and dozens of people made public comments addressing the recent controversy over the newly formed Club America at Twelve Bridges High School. Club America is a high school chapter of Turning Point USA, the organization founded by Charlie Kirk.
School board members did not make any comments and were not allowed to take any action at this meeting since this was not an agenda item for tonight's meeting.
Students, former students, parents, and community members spoke both for, and against, the divisive club and recent comments made by Lincoln Mayor Holly Andreatta.
DHS Enforcement Agencies at William Jessup University government Jobs Fair on December 8
NEWS RELEASE
The Placer County Democratic Party appreciates Jessup University hosting a jobs fair, but we must be clear: We strongly condemn the presence of immigration enforcement agencies associated with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Originally, Congressman Kiley's office listed ICE as attending. The list was then corrected to include U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), alongside Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). See: https://kiley.house.gov/federal-jobs-fair
Original flyer sent by Rep. Kiley in a newsletter sent on November 24.
Updated Flyer sent in a newsletter on December 1.
HSI and CBP are key partners in the indiscriminate, violent raids and racial profiling that violate the civil rights of our neighbors. Furthermore, all of these agencies are components of DHS.
USCIS, while handling lawful immigration benefits, actively coordinates with ICE and is still a DHS agency involved in the enforcement system. The attempt to substitute one agency for another does not change the fact that DHS enforcement is expected to be present.
The indiscriminate and violent raids occurring nationwide against immigrants are unconscionable. We stand fully with our immigrant families, friends, and neighbors who are being unnecessarily tormented and living in a state of fear.
We have a moral obligation to advise our Placer County community about the potential harms they may face, particularly our immigrant population wishing to attend.
Community organizers are now hosting visibility protest events and asking the community to contact their representatives.
Politicians listed as hosting the event include:
Roger Neillo: Phone: (916) 651-4006. Senator.Niello@senate.ca.gov
Bonnie Gore: phone: 916-787-8950 SupervisorGore@Placer.CA.Gov
Joe Patterson: District Phone: 916-435-0501, Sac Capitol Phone: 916-319-2005
Rosario Rodriquez Phone: 916-874-5491 supervisorrodriguez@saccounty.gov
Kevin Kiley Phone: (916) 724-2575
We are PlacerDems: Brand and Website Update
A Modern Look as We Move Forward
The Placer County Democratic Party has unveiled a new Brand and Logo, Shortens Website to PlacerDems.org
The Placer County Democratic Central Committee, commonly known as the Placer County Democratic Party, completed a comprehensive rebrand, including a new logo and a simplified online presence. We aligned our online presence as PlacerDems to reflect a modern, concise identity that is easier for voters, volunteers, and the community to recognize.
The rebrand includes a transition to the new, streamlined website domain: PlacerDems.org.
The former website, placercountydemocrats.org, will remain active, automatically redirecting visitors to the new PlacerDems.org to ensure a seamless experience.
Key Highlights of the Transition
New Website: The official website is now PlacerDems.org.
New Logo: The updated logo features a cleaner, more contemporary look with a design element that incorporates PLACERDEMS and beautiful shades of blue.
History
The Placer County Democratic Party has worked for decades to support Democratic voters in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Just as our work has evolved, so has our image.
This refresh is part of the Placer County Democratic Party's ongoing effort to expand our outreach and connect with the more than 90,000 registered Democrats and all voters across Placer County.
For more information, contact communications@placerdems.org.
OCTOBER 1: PlacerDems and Allies Host Rally to Hold Kevin Kiley Accountable for Government Shutdown
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2025
Contact: outreach@placercountydemocrats.org
PRESS RELEASE
OCTOBER 1: RALLY TO HOLD KEVIN KILEY ACCOUNTABLE FOR GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN
Rocklin, CA – On Wednesday, October 1st at 10:00 AM PDT, Placer County Democrats and community members will hold a rally outside of Congressman Kevin Kiley’s Rocklin office to hold him accountable for causing the health care crisis leading to a government shutdown.
Instead of working to extend lifesaving Affordable Care Act tax credits and protect Medicaid, Kiley and D.C. Republicans have made clear they’d rather rip away health care from tens of thousands and drive up costs for hardworking Californians – all to give tax cuts to the richest Americans.
Now, our communities are facing a 75% spike in their health care premiums – including 41,000 people in California’s 3rd Congressional District alone. If Kiley fails to act, 12,500 people in this district would lose their healthcare immediately because they simply can’t afford higher premiums.
California’s Congressional District 3 deserves leadership that will fulfill its basic duty of keeping the government open and protecting families’ access to affordable healthcare. This shutdown is another failure of the Republican majority in the House of Representatives, and Kiley’s constituents are working to pass Proposition 50 to ensure Democrats have a fair shot at taking the majority in November 2026.
WHAT: Rally to Hold Kevin Kiley Accountable for the GOP Government Shutdown
WHEN: Wednesday, October 1st from 10:00 AM ~ 12:00 PM PDT
WHERE: Rep. Kevin Kiley’s District Office: 6538 Lonetree Blvd #200, Rocklin, CA 95765
WHO:
Placer County Democrats
Indivisible Roseville, Auburn, and Nevada County representatives
Ellen Bezanson, Organizer, Sacramento Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO
Ruth Cox, Lincoln Democratic Club President
Barbara Smith, Placer County Democratic Party 2nd Vice-Chair
Members of the press can RSVP to: outreach@placercountydemocrats.org
Sign up on Mobilize HERE.
The Placer County Democratic Party Condemns President Trump’s Missile Strikes on Iran
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 22, 2025
PRESS RELEASE
THE PLACER COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY CONDEMNS PRESIDENT TRUMP’S MISSILE STRIKES ON IRAN
The Placer County Democratic Party strongly condemns the recent missile strikes launched by President Trump against targets within Iran. Going against his promise to keep the U.S out of foreign conflicts, these attacks represent a dangerous escalation that risks dragging our communities—and the world—into more endless war.
“We are everyday people—teachers, veterans, nurses, and neighbors—and we’re tired of war being waged in our name without our consent,” said JT Weddell, speaking on behalf of the Placer County Democratic Central Committee’s (PCDCC) Communications Committee. “These strikes don’t make us safer. They make the world more unstable.”
“The actions by President Trump are shocking and are reminiscent of the government’s manufactured crisis that led up to the invasion of Iraq. Saturday night’s strikes set a very dangerous precedent and endanger the lives of U.S. servicemembers and citizens currently abroad,” said Nick Bennett, Chair of the PCDCC and an Iraq War veteran.
The PCDCC is calling on our elected officials at the local, state, and national levels to speak out against this needless military incursion and to demand a return to good-faith diplomacy. The PCDCC also urges local residents to contact their representatives and make their voices heard.
The Placer County Democratic Party Condemns The Incendiary Rhetoric and the Stoking of Violence from Trump and Kiley
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 10, 2025
PRESS RELEASE
THE PLACER COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY CONDEMNS THE INCENDIARY RHETORIC AND THE STOKING OF VIOLENCE FROM TRUMP AND KILEY
The Placer County Democratic Party expresses unequivocal opposition to the incendiary rhetoric of President Trump and Congressman Kevin Kiley of California’s 3rd Congressional District insinuating rebellion and calling for the use of violence against the people of Los Angeles. On June 9, 2025, Trump posted the following statement on Truth Social:
This is an unprecedented and shameful act by a President of the United States to openly advocate for and condone the use of excessive and unnecessary force against the American People. Such escalation will only provoke more resistance in communities already distrustful of law enforcement and who are on edge due to ICE raids. This endangers those who are peacefully and lawfully exercising their right to protest, as well as law enforcement personnel.
Only mere days from the largest U.S. military parade since the end of the Gulf War, Trump and his allies such as Rep. Kiley are intentionally using language to cast recent events as acts of insurrection and secession. Trump’s June 7th Presidential Memorandum states that “[t]o the extent that protests or acts of violence directly inhibit the execution of the laws, they constitute a form of rebellion..” To fan the flames further, Rep. Kiley has taken to social media and televised media to absurdly insinuate that the Governor of California is seeking secession. To flagrantly accuse people of inciting rebellion for resisting the brutish enforcement of what many view as unjust laws is wrong and only contributes to the sanctioning of violence instead of de-escalation and reconciliation. Our nation has a long history of protesting laws and government actions that are harmful to communities. Even when unrest occurs, it is a dangerous precedent to carelessly throw around the label of sedition.
The Placer County Democratic Party stands with those who seek to peacefully protest against the trauma and unrest caused by heavily-armed and masked federal agents swooping into communities to seize people’s friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family members.
Placer County Democrats Host Memorial Day Weekend Screening of Award-Winning LGBTQ+ Military Documentary
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 24, 2025
PRESS RELEASE
Placer County Democrats Host Memorial Day Weekend Screening of Award-Winning LGBTQ+ Military Documentary
LINCOLN, CA — Over Memorial Day weekend, the Placer County Democratic Party hosted a powerful community event honoring veterans and LGBTQ+ service members with a screening of the award-winning documentary Surviving the Silence. The event was followed by a conversation with Col. Pat Thompson and Barbara Brass, the couple at the center of the film, who shared their decades-long journey of service, love, and activism.
The documentary tells the story of Col. Thompson, who was tasked with expelling a fellow Army officer who admitted she was a lesbian while secretly maintaining her own same-sex relationship. The film explores the personal toll of hiding their love, the painful contradictions in military policy, and how their quiet resistance helped shape the movement that led to the allowing of all Americans to serve, regardless of who they love.
Attendees were deeply moved by the couple’s candid reflections and their transformation into outspoken activists. Col. Pat and Barb remain active in the Placer County community, holding weekly rallies and speaking events.
“Memorial Day reminds us of the sacrifices of those who served. We must honor all who have served with courage, including those forced to do so in silence,” said Nick Bennett, Chair of the Placer County Democratic Party and Army veteran.
In an era where LGBTQ+ rights in the military are again under political attack, the stories shared at this event offered both a warning and a call to action.
The Placer County Democratic Party remains committed to celebrating service, defending civil rights, and creating space for conversations that inspire justice and change.
See Col. Pat Thompson and Barbara Brass’s remarks here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuooFGU30JA
Over 500 CD3 Constituents Demand Answers at In-Person Town Hall That Rep. Kevin Kiley Refused to Hold
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 12, 2025
PRESS RELEASE
Over 500 CD3 Constituents Demand Answers at In-Person Town Hall That Rep. Kevin Kiley Refused to Hold
ROSEVILLE, CA — On Saturday, May 10, 2025, the Placer County Democratic Party, in collaboration with Democratic clubs and Indivisible chapters across California’s 3rd Congressional District (CD3), hosted a live, in-person Constituent Town Hall in Roseville. The event featured special guest speakers Congressman Sam Liccardo (CA-16) and Congressman Jared Huffman (CA-2), who addressed a packed room of local residents about pressing federal issues and the importance of responsive representation.
The town hall was organized due to Representative Kevin Kiley’s (R–Rocklin) continued refusal to meet face-to-face with the people he was elected to serve. Despite a rapidly shifting federal landscape that directly affects local families, Rep. Kiley has failed to offer meaningful public updates, answer constituent questions, or acknowledge community concerns.
“Residents across CD3 are experiencing the harmful impacts of policies supported by Rep. Kiley in Washington, and they are deeply concerned about their futures,” said Nick Bennett, Chair of the Placer County Democratic Central Committee. “Our communities deserve honest answers and accountability — not silence.”
While Rep. Kiley has held two telephone town halls, on March 17 and March 27, many constituents left those calls frustrated, describing the events as scripted and impersonal, with little opportunity for direct engagement or follow-up.
Saturday’s in-person event offered what Rep. Kiley has not: open dialogue, accessible leadership, and a forum for real conversation. Attendees heard directly from two members of the California congressional delegation about federal actions affecting the region, and why staying connected to constituents is more critical than ever.
The Placer County Democratic Party will continue advocating for transparency, accessibility, and leadership that listens.
Response to Kiley’s Attacks against Sen. Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
CHAIR MESSAGE
Message from:
Placer County Democratic Central Committee
Chair Nick Bennett
April 2025
Following Tuesday’s rally, where Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez spoke to approximately 30,000 people at Folsom Lake College, Representative Kevin Kiley responded by saying that instead of the “radical policies of Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. . . Our communities have chosen a different way. We support law enforcement. We are not sanctuary cities. We support small businesses and workers. As a result, we have maintained a quality of life that doesn't exist in other parts of California. My priority will always be to protect that quality of life. I will fight against the radical socialist policies Bernie and AOC want to inflict on us.”
Kiley says he supports law enforcement, but where is Kiley when it comes to the enforcement of the law? Kiley is silent when the Trump administration ignores court orders and the rights of those living here by violating the due process protections enshrined in our Constitution.
Kiley says that he opposes sanctuary cities, but where is Kiley when legal residents, including permanent residents, who are active and productive members of our communities, are afraid that they will be thrown into an unmarked van because of something they said?
Kiley says that he supports small businesses and workers, but where is Kiley when Trump’s tariffs disrupt the supply chains of small businesses in his district? Where is he when federal workers in his district have their careers derailed for no reason and the Trump administration tries to dismantle unions?
As great as Placer County is, it is not the only place in California that enjoys an enviable quality of life. But we do enjoy a high quality of life here for many reasons. It is because of our great public schools, even though our teachers and librarians are increasingly having their reputations and credibility attacked. It is because we have access to great healthcare, even though Medicaid, which is vital to many of Kiley’s constituents, is on Congress’s chopping block. It is because we have abundant access to some of the most picturesque parts of the Sierra Nevada Mountains for recreation and relaxation, even though the Trump administration is stripping away the laws that protect that natural beauty. It is because of the strides that we have made in making sure that every eligible person gets a voice through the election process, even though Kiley and Republicans are trying to add hurdles that will disenfranchise millions of voters. You see, the radical policies being inflicted on our quality of life are not coming from Sanders or Ocasio-Cortez; they are coming from Republicans like Kevin Kiley.
I, too, want our quality of life protected, but as a Democrat, I also want to make sure that everyone has access to that quality of life. That means protecting the employees of the Forest Service who help protect our rural communities from wildfires. That means ensuring that Placer County’s high school seniors have access to affordable higher education and career technical education. That means having a legal system and trade policy that prioritizes fairness and consistency over the whims of a president. That means acknowledging the harm that climate change is doing to our planet and economy instead of trying to erase every mention of it, which Republicans are doing. That means protecting and strengthening protections for workers and consumers who do not have the resources to go up against multi-national corporations in court. All of these issues affect our quality of life, so where is Kevin Kiley on them?
Caring for our neighbors is not socialist. Caring for those who are vulnerable or struggling is not radical. 30,000 people showed up for Bernie and AOC because they believe in a government that uplifts and restores the dignity of people, instead of serving only those who buy access. When people in Placer County and California’s 3rd Congressional District ask where are those who will protect their quality of life from Trump’s chaos and Republican policies that leave our communities suffering and in peril, it will be Democrats who show up.