2020 Delegate Candidate Statements

Warm welcome to the 2020 Democrats Abroad delegate candidates! We are looking forward to hearing from you about your candidacy, why you are running and who you are! Please use this space to tell us about yourself 150 words maximum please). If you'd like, please add a picture here too, and you can also add a link to a video, and any relevant affirmative action information (optional). Note that your information will be publicly viewable from this page, so only send in content you are comfortable sharing widely.

Our moderators will review your story, confirm that you are a candidate, and publish! Note that we can't edit stories after they are published, and will not publish information if it violates our code of conduct, including obscenities, harassment and promotion of your non-Democrats Abroad work or business. This space is reserved for our delegate candidates. Any story submitted by someone who is not a candidate will not be published.   

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Anita Lang - Delegate (Biden) - EMEA (UK)

Why is this so late? I am a teacher and union leader and my students, their families, and my educators have needed me! In my union capacity, I lobby Congress at least four times per year, In person. I have lobbied on education related issues like racial and social justice, gun reform, school funding, fair pay, child nutrition, and mounting college debts. have dedicated much of my time and money to support anti-voter suppression campaigns and getting out the vote from 1st time voters. I will represent you and staunchly support the DA platform. I am a staunch advocate for military families, veterans, and women but continue to learn and push an anti-racist agenda. My photo, a hedgehog, represents cute and cuddly until you get in my way, then the spikes come out! I don’t shy away from a fight! Anita Lang

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Joy Wiersum, Delegate Candidate for Joe Biden

I am a Wisconsinite, the daughter of lifelong union members. I am a global citizen, a ten-year resident of the UK with a passion for exploring the world. Although my adult life has been shaped by internationalism, my values are American and rooted in progressive, Democratic principles. As a leadership and strategy consultant, I offer strong communication, influencing and advocacy skills. I am proven in my ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholder groups. I convey complex, and at times contentious, information in a forthright, authentic manner. As an American abroad, I apply these skills daily in my personal life, often explaining American politics, policies and people to those I meet. As a delegate, I will leverage tirelessly my networks in Wisconsin and globally to get out the vote. It would be an honour to support the nomination of and to campaign on behalf of our next President, Joe Biden.

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David Wagner - Delegate Candidate for Bernie Sanders (Asia-Pacific)

We need more than just a new president... we need a revolution! I am proud to join the fight for a fair and free America. We always knew it was possible, but it was the senator from Vermont who showed us how to get there. Almost all the obstacles standing in the way of our freedom can be traced to one problem: corporate influence over our elections. Let's put the health of our planet above the profits of corporations. Let's put an end to private prisons. Let's tell the insurance companies that the health of our citizens is more important than their bottom line! Let start treating every American like a human being. Senator Sanders taught us how to achieve all this, and I am looking forward to representing him at the convention.

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Barbara Wells - EMEA Delegate Candidate for VP Joe Biden (France)

I have been an educator for much of my adult life as I believe the future of our world depends on the education of our most precious asset, our young people. Faced with the threat of Trump undermining our democracy and the world order that the US helped to build, political engagement has become equally imperative. Primarily for the future of our children, I became more actively involved with Democrats Abroad, Strasbourg, where I have had the honor to serve first as Vice-Chair and, since March 2017, as Chair, supported by a wonderful team that has helped throughout these challenging times to keep our chapter active and growing, We have to win this election. Joe Biden has the qualities needed to heal the country and restore our democracy. I hope that you will give me the opportunity to support his campaign and a Democratic victory with your vote on

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John-Thor Dahlburg, DNC candidate pledged to Joe Biden

I’m John-Thor Dahlburg, an active ExCom member of the Toulouse Chapter of DA France. I’m a writer, educator and journalist—and Ied the editorial team that won the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service. My only goal: Democratic victory in 2020. We need to end the inept, corrupt Trump presidency. Trump’s lethal mishandling of COVID-19 emergency dramatically illustrates what’s at stake for our nation. With a win for Joe Biden in November, we have the opportunity to hit the reset button on critical economic, environmental and health care issues. I pledge my all to elect Joe and down-ticket Democrats whose No.1 priority is the health, safety and prosperity of all Americans. For Democrats, it’s also time to unite and renew old bonds with America’s working class, African-Americans, Hispanics, the LGBT community and women. We also need to revive and strengthen ties with our friends and allies abroad.

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Matthew Fellmeth, EMEA Delegate Candidate for V.P. Joe Biden (from Luxembourg)

I would be honored to represent Democrats Abroad at the DNC. Originally from Philadelphia, I've spent the last eight years living outside the U.S. During my time abroad, I've been inspired by governments around the world that work to uplift all their citizens. We need a president, like Joe Biden, who will fight for every American, and for the democratic ideals we all believe in – inclusion, humanity, and environmental responsibility. As a delegate, I will champion the Democrats Abroad platform: specifically, expansion of social welfare, healthcare, and international cooperation. At the DNC, I will work to build and strengthen our relationship within the party. I've joined a policy working group for the Biden Campaign, where I can contribute 10+ years of infrastructure experience to rebuilding America. This may be my first venture into political activism, but my goal is to be an active, long-term member of Democrats Abroad.

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Zachary Marcone (Graduate Student), Americas and EMEA Joe Biden Delegate

As an up and coming member of DA-China, I believe I would represent Joe’s ideas well. At the convention I will fight to ensure women are able to safely speak up against sexual assault. We have failed in this regard. In the past I raised large sums for the Democratic Coalition as a finance intern, verbally challenged Paul Ryan on CNN, and even flew to Alabama in the middle of my exam week to elect Doug Jones. I also worked to get Rep. Max Rose, an early Biden supporter, reelected to Congress. In China I became an active DA member enrolling dozens of people into DA. I was named a DA Star Volunteer for November 2019 and am now a lead organizer of DA China’s student outreach. As the Global Primary approached I got the vote out for Joe through a strong social media campaign across Facebook/WeChat. CNN Town Hall:

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Gregory Dolezal - Delegate Candidate for Senator Sanders (Asia-Pacific)

Joining the convention has been a dream of mine for many years. Politics is my sports and this is the world series. As an Eagle Scout I carried the Louisiana flag at that GOP convention in 1988, which was when I started taking an interest in politics. I am an FDR Democrat with strong progressive views; however, I am also a loyal party member. As a Southern liberal I've learned to be a diplomatic facilitator to engage allies and opponents. I trained as a campaign manager with Hildebrand/Tewes and Democracy Partners in 2006 doing field and press for progressive unionist congressman, Phil Hare (IL 17). I volunteered with the GA and TN parties. I participate in progressive groups and serve as Secretary in Vietnam and on the Hispanic Caucus Steering Committee. I was Al Gore's teaching assistant and founded a Korean labor organization. I want to earn your vote.

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Heather Stewart -- LGBTQ+ Youth Delegate Candidate for Joe Biden

I am an American Democrat currently living abroad in Ontario, Canada, as I complete my PhD in Philosophy. I have been engaged in politics and activism since I was in high school. I remember lining up for hours to see Obama on the campaign trail for the 2008 election and immediately feeling inspired and pulled to be part of the process. As engaged as I have been, I recognize the responsibility on democrats to unite in the 2020 election to defeat the most dangerous president in US history and to protect our democracy. I am committed to being in the fight and doing everything I can. I also want to fight for particular issues I care about: health care access for all, eradicating student loan debt, LGBTQ+ justice, racial justice, criminal justice reform, and reproductive justice.

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Michaele de Rivera - EMEA AND GLOBAL DELEGATE CANDIDATE FOR JOE BIDEN

I have been a voting democrat my entire life, and resident of Guadalajara, Mexico for over 30 years. When DA opened chapter in Guadalajara, I was elected as MAL and became chapter chair for fundraising. In 2019 I was elected Vice-Chair for DA Mexico. I have a BA in Int. Business and have extensive business experience in communications as well as owner of various international businesses in Guadalajara and currently CEO of an Online Jewelry Business. My purpose has been to support the Democratic Party and to motivate the over 1.5 million American citizens in Mexico to vote in every election. Equally important to note I have been a Joe Biden supporter for many years even before it was popular.I have been active in GPP elections,GOTV,Member of Hispanic, Women's and LBGT caucuses. I want to make DNC and DA´s voice louder and more respected. #ICANMAKEADIFFERENCE

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Rob Smith Delegate Candidate UK for Joe Biden

Very simply put, I'm tired of seeing the current populist government destroying the USA and the world. Many Democrats view Joe Biden and Trump as the same. They aren't. It's time to get the progressive base to realize that Joe is the only candidate who can help rebuild America after the COVID-19 crisis. We need to bring back science and listening to expert opinions. No more thoughts and prayers but facts and logic. As a delegate I will do my best to unite the base and get out the vote!

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Gilbert Vansoi, Biden Delegate

Hello fellow Democrats Abroad members and Democratic electors. My name is Gilbert Vansoi. VAN like the truck, and SOI like the sauce. As an Asian gay naturalized US citizen, I have had the opportunity to experience the best and not-so-best of both the American and the French cultures, while living in Nouméa(New Caledonia), Paris, Libreville (Gabon), Tampa, Washington, Corpus Christi, Dallas, and now Carcassonne (France). As a graduate of the University of Florida and a lifelong member of the Democratic Party, I bring a unique perspective on the needs and challenges of an interconnected global community, to help us reclaim America’s leadership spot among the family of nations. Our country cannot afford another 4 years of divisive and irresponsible demagoguery, and neither can our fragile planet. Please vote for me GILBERT VANSOI to represent our next President of the United States of America, Vice-President Joseph Biden, at the Democrats Abroad Regional

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Nancy Opdyke - Delegate Candidate for Bernie Sanders

I have helped Democrats Abroad with the last 2 elections and will work to make this the year when a Democrat is again in the White House. The US deserves better, and the world needs to be able to look up to the US again.

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Krista Versteeg - Delegate Candidate for Joe Biden

I am excited to be a Delegate Candidate for Joe Biden and to support the Democratic Party in the 2020 election and beyond. I am an American living in Paris, hold a PhD in infectious diseases/microbiology, and currently work on international cooperation for infectious disease research. In these uncertain times, I am very aware of the importance of a strong decisive leader who works with technical experts in various disciplines to guide their country to safety. I value the role science plays in policy making for the future and I know that Joe Biden shares this value. I am excited for a positive change in US Leadership. Therefore, I pledge to support Joe Biden at the Democratic National Convention and in this year’s General Election and continue to work to ensure Americans overseas are always able to vote.

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Andrew Zoll

Heyyo! Just like you, the nuances of my identity and life journey have synthesized beautifully with the appalling state of world sociopolitics to shove me into this year's political brew. The democratic left is in such desperate need of both new life and open-minded cohesion, don't you think? That's why a 27-year old, queer, multiethnic and multicultural sustainability studies graduate student in Sweden like me is ever so humbly submitting his candidacy to Democrats Abroad's delegation in support of Joe Biden. Hope my experiences advocating for and educating about LGBTQIA+ rights, socioecological justice, and rethinking fundamental tenets of the human condition are a vibe we can all ride to the Democratic National Convention! [insert long list of relatable and admirable academic, professional, and volunteer credentials here] ♫

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Paul Olivera

I have lived abroad for about 15 years, first in the UK and now in HK for work. Before moving abroad I worked and lived in CA, both as a lawyer and a CA State Senate aide. I have been involved in Democratic politics since I was old enough to volunteer for local campaigns. I feel Joe is the best solution we have right now for an abysmal political situation where the country is becoming increasingly disjointed and many folks seem to reject scientific and inclusive pragmatic solutions to our concerns. Joe's approach to politics, his years of experience and decency are a welcome antidote to the difficult times we have been experiencing for the past several years. We cannot afford to continue on the current trajectory and while one election may not cure all ills, the wrong outcome might make them significantly worse.

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Katie Sadd (young professional) - Biden Delegate Candidate

Raised in New York, my background includes a degree in political science and a fellowship in Bangladesh. Most recently, before moving to France to further a career in human rights, I worked in public policy for nearly four years, advising officials and influencing legislation as a senior advisor to a City Councilmember and a district director for the California State Assembly. Throughout that time, I was also involved in local, state and federal campaigns as a volunteer, phone banking, canvassing, and supporting community events to get out the vote and support candidates ranging from County Supervisor to Mayor to Congress. Through this, I developed the policy knowledge and interpersonal skills needed to engage delegations, campaigns and voters on issues of inequality, sustainability, and the need for government innovation. I believe I can advocate well for our priorities to get them on the agenda, and I would consider it an honor.

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JAY W MACINTOSH - Delegate Candidate for Joe Biden

It is all going to come down to people being able to bend. We must come together at this important time. We must be DEMOCRAT TOUGH - tough, smart, united, disciplined, and loving! That applies to ALL Democrats.  It is not a marriage. But, we must be smart in order to beat Trump.  Then, after we win, we will come back better! I hope we Democrats can envision what is at stake. Let's unite for strength! I pledge myself to help elect a leader who has the expertise to lead this country to a new new deal for the American people. We must change history in this country.  I want to help reestablish an order of competence and courage by helping Joe Biden lead us to victory!! We must help restore America to its own people.

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Diane Haven, delegate for Joe Biden

I am new to DA, but after reading the 2020 Platform Draft I am so excited to belong to this organization! I have extensive experience meeting with members of Congress as I was a national board member to an organization that met in Washington DC annually (WAND) to meet with legislators. I am also comfortable talking to the media and with all kinds of people. I currently phone bank for DA and will be sending out postcards. I am happy that VP Biden is choosing a woman for this running mate. I like his platform and I believe he will listen to Bernie supporters. I will be honored to represent DA in any way I can!

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