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Shasti Conrad elected DNC vice chair
She won in a re-run election triggered by internal disputes over party procedure.
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Malvika Choudhary - Sat, 21, Jun 2025
- 13:33 EDT
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Shasti Conrad / shasticonrad.com
Washington State Democratic Party chair Shasti Conrad was elected as the vice chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) on June 20.
She prevailed in a re-run election triggered by internal disputes over party procedure and the controversial role of former vice chair David Hogg.
Also Read: Shasti Conrad appointed DNC associate chair
Conrad secured the position with nearly 56 percent of the vote in a runoff against Oklahoma DNC member Kalyn Free, following a multi-day voting process. Kansas Democratic Party chair Jeanna Repass was eliminated in the first round, in which Conrad led with 44 percent to Free’s 37 percent and Repass’s 20 percent.
We did it! I’m honored to serve as Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee and am deeply grateful to the members who placed their trust in me. pic.twitter.com/okIdDFPN5b
— Shasti Conrad (@ShastiConrad) June 20, 2025
“This was the longest election in DNC history, and every vote cast reflected our shared belief in building a stronger, more inclusive Democratic Party,” Conrad said in a statement.
Conrad, 40, now becomes one of the most visible South Asian leaders in the Democratic Party and remains the first South Asian woman to lead a state party in the United States. She is currently serving her second term as chair of the Washington State Democrats and was recently appointed a DNC associate chair by DNC Chair Ken Martin.
“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,” Conrad said. “And as an AAPI leader, I’m proud to represent America’s fastest-growing voting bloc and ensure we have a seat at every table where decisions are made.”
Her election follows months of internal discord, sparked by Free’s complaint that the original February vote—which elected Hogg and Pennsylvania state Representative Malcolm Kenyatta—violated the DNC’s gender parity rules. The DNC Credentials Committee later recommended a re-vote, which was overwhelmingly approved by the full membership.
Hogg, a high-profile gun control advocate, withdrew from contention amid growing backlash from party leadership over his PAC, Leaders We Deserve, which supported primary challenges against sitting Democratic incumbents. Hogg said he wanted the party to “focus on what really matters.”
Kenyatta, the only eligible male candidate under DNC rules, was re-elected unopposed last weekend to the male-designated vice chair seat. The election that concluded June 20 was reserved for female candidates.
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