Washington Democratic Party Chair Podlodowski stepping down
Jan 5, 2023, 5:41 AM
The chair of Washington鈥檚 Democratic Party reportedly threatened to cut election campaign funding to some state Democrats. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)
(AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)
Washington State Democratic Party Chair Tina Podlodowski is leaving the role after six years.
Podlodowski departs after state Democrats in the November midterms maintained their majorities in the state Legislature, won the secretary of state鈥檚 office, and scored a somewhat unexpected win in Washington鈥檚 3rd Congressional District, The Seattle Times reported.
Podlodowski in a statement Wednesday said she鈥檇 delivered on a pledge to get more Democrats elected.
鈥淭his was not an easy decision, but I feel strongly that I have accomplished what I set out to do and it is now time to pass the torch to a new generation of leaders ready to light the fires of democracy, teamwork and community around our state,鈥� Podlodowski said.
She explained her accomplishments including expanding the Democrats鈥� legislative majorities and increasing diversity of the party鈥檚 candidates.
Democrats hold every statewide elected office and flipped both the 3rd and 8th congressional districts during her tenure.
The state Democrats will elect a new leader at a meeting in Olympia in late January.
Podlodowski was elected chair in 2017, following Jaxon Ravens. She lost a bid in 2016 for secretary of state.
She was also the first woman elected party chair in over 30 years, according to her emailed statement. She鈥檚 a former Microsoft executive and Seattle City Council member.
