Germany News
November 21, 2024
Germany

DAG National Elections 2025

Posted by
November 21, 2024

DA Germany 2025 National Elections

 

Overview

Democrats Abroad Germany (DAG) holds elections for new officers in the first quarter of every odd-number year. This includes positions at the local chapter level and the Germany national level.

All local chapter elections are held before the national elections.

Below, you will find an overview of the national elections.

National Elections

For the first time, national elections will be online from Tuesday, March 11, 2025 until Sunday, March 23, 2025. The results will be announced at DA Germany’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on March 29, 2025. To participate in the election, one must be a member of DA Germany and members must “request a ballot” by RSVPing via this event page. The deadline to request a ballot/RSVP for the election is Sunday, March 2, 2025 at 6:00 pm CET.

 

National Election Rules & Procedures

The election rules are defined in the DA Germany Bylaws and the DA Germany National Election Rules. National-level elections are facilitated by a neutral Nominations and Election Committee (NEC) of the DA Germany Executive Committee (ExCom). No members of the NEC are seeking national-level office themselves.

If you have any questions, please send to the 2025 Nominations and Elections Committee at [email protected].

 

National Positions

See Job Descriptions for all positions here.

DA rules state that our Chair and Vice Chair must be different genders, and no gender can make up more than half plus one of the full delegation of Democratic Party Committee Abroad (DPCA) Voting Reps. We've asked candidates their gender and have included it for candidates for the relevant positions: (m) male, (f) female, (n) non-binary.

The available roles are:

  • Chair
  • Vice Chair
  • Secretary
  • Treasurer
  • Academic Outreach Coordinator
  • Advertising Coordinator
  • Chapter Development Coordinator
  • Communications Coordinator
  • Events Coordinator
  • Fundraising Coordinator
  • Get Out the Vote (GOTV) Coordinator
  • Membership & IT Coordinator
  • Press Coordinator
  • DPCA Voting Representative (15 elected positions, 4 alternates)

Information sessions will be held for interested members to ask questions and learn about the various leadership positions and election processes. The events will cover the same content, so you do not have to attend all three sessions. You can RSVP to attend one of the following events:

 

Nomination Process

The Nominations Form will close on Friday, February 14, 2025 at 6:00 pm CET. Candidate Statements can be submitted until Friday, February 21, 2025 at 6:00 pm CET. If you wish to write a Letter of Endorsement for one of the candidates, please fill out the Letter of Endorsement Form by Friday, February 28, 2025 at 6:00 pm CET.

 

Election Process

There will be two Meet the Candidates sessions. All candidates are invited to speak at these events. They will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 7:30 pm CET and Sunday, March 9, 2025 at 3:00 pm CET. If a candidate cannot attend, they are allowed to send a surrogate who may speak on their behalf.

Members that request a ballot will receive an email with the link to the ballots on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Using their individual voting code, which will be included in the same email, members can cast their votes until Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 11:59 pm CET.

 

Nominees will be listed in alphabetical order. Names will be published beginning January 15, 2025 and updated on a weekly basis.

The Nominees are:

Candidate Statements, Photos and Letters of Endorsement

The candidates were given the option to submit a candidate statement and a photo. The submission deadline for a statement to be posted was Friday, February 21, 2025 at 18:00 CET. Letters of endorsement could be submitted until Friday, February 28, 2025 at 18:00 CET.

Chair Candidates

 

Sarah Mulloy (female)

I'm asking for your vote for chair of Democrats Abroad Germany. With the support and encouragement of other DAG leaders, I became an active volunteer in 2020. Since then, I have:

  • helped organize and operate Global Presidential primary centers in 2020 and 2024
  • been a founding member of the North & Central Bavaria Chapter
  • served as vice chair, then chair of NCB
  • served as DAG GOTV (Get Out The Vote) Coordinator in 2022
  • served on the DAG Nominations & Elections Committee in 2023
  • served on the DAG Bylaws Committee from 2023 to present
  • served as Europe, Middle East and Africa GOTV Coordinator in 2024

My leadership at local, national, regional and global levels of the organization gave me perspective on what works well and what needs improvement. DAG is already highly motivated, creative and organized, but I believe we can more effectively advocate for voting rights globally by building community ties among US citizens in Germany generally. A DAG that functions optimally needs roles for folks seeking both long-term administrative activities and who prefer contained, short- to medium-term projects. Engaging future leaders supports the bench-building needed for innovation, not only in DA, but throughout the ranks of the Democratic Party.

My GOTV work illustrated to me the rampant misconceptions about voting abroad. To combat that, I would like to create better-targeted voter education resources in preparation for the 2026 congressional election. We already have the resources; for example, our voter assistance trainings are extremely informative, they could be repackaged and recontextualized for US citizens with no previous experience in DA.

Empowering volunteers via projects like this will help develop future leaders for DAG – I speak from experience! I hope I can count on your vote and that we can strengthen DAG together.

Letters of Endorsement

Justin'e Lorenz, Member of Democrats Abroad Germany North and Central Bavaria Chapter

I am happy to endorse Sarah Mulloy for chair of Democrats Abroad Germany. Not only do we share a vision for DAG’s future to improve global voter turnout, but I also admire her leadership style. During the past year with her as my chapter chair, I found myself repeatedly impressed with her leadership abilities and I feel that she is exactly the right type of person to take on the position of DAG chair. What I have enjoyed the most is her ability to be direct and down-to-business while also being genuinely friendly and warm. There hasn’t yet been a moment where I thought she was speaking out of line or talking down to either a volunteer or someone we’re helping at a tabling event. I also believe in the importance of building a community amongst US citizens in Germany in order to more effectively advocate for voting rights globally, which is a part of her candidate statement. Not only does she have what I find to be very good ideas for us as DAG, I believe she will be effective in following through with these ideas and will do so professionally, if her immense experience in DAG is any indication. I urge you to consider voting for Sarah for chair of Democrats Abroad Germany.

Kenton Barnes, Chair of Democrats Abroad Germany and DNC Member

I am pleased to announce my support for Sarah Mulloy in her quest to become Chair of Democrats Abroad Germany. In her time in Democrats Abroad, Sarah has proven that she has the leadership skills to lead a large country committee such as ours. She was one of the founding members of the Northern and Central Bavaria Chapter, which quickly became one of the model chapters in Germany. When asked, she stepped in and assumed the role of GOTV Coordinator when the previous coordinator resigned, overseeing DAG’s efforts to get out the vote for the 2022 election cycle. Her success as Germany’s GOTV Coordinator was noticed beyond our borders, and as a result of that success, she was asked to be the GOTV Coordinator for the EMEA Region, a job which she administered exceptionally well, overseeing the GOTV activities for 27 country committees throughout the region. Sarah did all this while holding the chairship of the NCB Chapter. Therefore, I am convinced that Sarah would to be a beacon to our members and would lead DAG to new and exciting heights. A vote for Sarah is a vote for stability, innovation, resonsibility and leadership.

Respectfully,
Kenton E. Barnes,
Chair, Democrats Abroad Germany

Nicole Gross, Communications Coordinator of Democrats Abroad Germany

I have had the pleasure of working closely with Sarah over the past two years and have found her to be an empathetic, helpful, and extremely well-informed at all times. Sarah is generous with her time and at the same time respectful of the time of others, which is extremely important for a volunteer organization. She has a strong grasp of the big picture while also being meticulous with details. Sarah is most definitely up to the challenge that the role of Country Chair for such a big Country Committee brings along with it. I have the fullest faith in her ability to lead us successfully into the 2026 midterms as she is determined, communicative, and enthusiastic. I look forwarding to working under her.

Vice Chair Candidates

 

Gabriel Armas-Cardona (male)

Hello DA! My name is Gabriel Armas-Cardona. I’m born and raised in California before moving to New York followed by moving all around the world. I’m a human rights lawyer who decided to start a second career and is now getting a PhD in Göttingen.

I’ve been part of DA since 2019. I was active with DA Saxony for the 2020 election and helped organize events, GOTV, phonebanking, and generally supported the Chair to make our chapter fun and effective. Now, I want to contribute more.

The US is in a dark place; it’s a stark reminder that democracy is not a spectator sport. The Republicans have established a top-down narrative of hate, hate against certain minority groups, hate against American policies abroad, and hate against the federal government. People are legitimately frustrated with the status quo, so unless the Democrats promote a new narrative, the narrative of hate will trump. This is why there needs to be a groundswell of activity from any and all that think the US can do better.

My goal, particularly if elected vice-Chair, is to empower each of us to achieve more. There are over 15,000 of us in Germany alone. Our potential impact is incredible, but we need coordination. The Democratic party needs to reflect the voices and ideas that will motivate the country. We can help achieve that. Imagine the impact if we could educate Americans on how universal healthcare works in Germany—there would be a lot more supporters in the US! Together, small steps can lead to big impacts.

Developing a groundswell of activity will help ensure the 2026 election puts in place people that push back against the chaos-in-chief and promote a better America. That is my goal and why you should vote for me.

Letters of Endorsement

Dr. Simon Schuster

I am proud to support my former colleague Gabrial Armas-Cardona in his goal of becoming Democrats Abroad Germany's next Vice Chair.

I had the chance to get to know Gabriel and work with him at the Leipzig Chair for Public International Law at the University of Leipzig for several years. During this time we established several projects together. I experienced Gabriel not only to be reliable but also an indispensable asset concerning the necessity to network with person of interests and other project partners. Gabriel showed the profound ability to identify interests and conflicts and bring them into balance. I have no doubt that this competence results from his international experience.

Due to my connection to local and state politics, discussions over political issues in Germany, the United States, and between them were constant topics between us. Gabriel's profound knowledge of both political systems, the different histories they are built on, and the specific angel both countries take respective to the EU made him valuable as someone who enabled me to acknowledge those different angels with their pros and cons and to think outside the box.

I'm convinced that due to those competences, Gabriel is fully competent to represent the interests and ideas of the democrats abroad in Germany. Therefore, I ask that you strongly consider casting your vote for Gabriel for Vice Chair.

Respectfully Submitted,
Dr. Simon Schuster

Johannes Makepeace (male)

Dear fellow Democrats Abroad,

I am honored to accept the nomination for Vice Chair of Democrats Abroad Germany (DAG). As a criminal defense attorney in Munich, I have committed my career to upholding justice, defending civil rights, and helping people navigate complex legal systems. My journey with DAG began in 2021 when I joined the Law Squad and helped draft and refine our bylaws—because a solid foundation allows us to grow and thrive.

Raised bilingually, I am fluent in English and German—an asset I can utilize to represent DAG and amplify our values, ensuring that every American in Germany is informed, connected, and empowered.

The 2026 midterms will be critical for defending our democracy, and I am willing to start preparing now. As Vice Chair, I will focus on expanding our outreach to engage more Americans in Germany and ensure that voting from abroad is straightforward, efficient, and accessible. Voting from abroad is complex, and I am committed to improving our voter assistance programs so that every American in Germany can easily participate in the democratic process. Because your voices matter!

Even in these pivotal times, however, DAG is not just about elections—it’s about community. I believe we should serve as a contact point and a reliable source of support for all Americans in Germany, not only in providing guidance regarding U.S. politics, but also in navigating German life and bureaucracy.

I look forward to working closely with our local chapters to enhance our organizational structure and make DAG more visible, inclusive, and efficient. For this, I will prioritize clear communication, member involvement, and a proactive approach to advocacy.

Let’s work together to ensure that the voices of Democrats and Americans abroad are heard loud and clear. I would be honored to serve as your Vice Chair.

Letters of Endorsement

Kenton Barnes, Chair of Democrats Abroad Germany and DNC Member

I am both happy and proud to offer my support of Johannes Makepeace in his quest to become Democrats Abroad Germany’s next Vice Chair. I had the opportunity to interact with Johannes shortly after I was elected chair in 2021, and after talking with him, I immediately recognized that in him was hidden a future DAG leader. Learning that he was a practicing lawyer, I asked him to be a member of the DAG Law Squad, an appointment that he enthusiastically accepted. As a member of the committee, he helped to advise DA Germany in a number of legal matters, chief among them our application to the German government to become a registered organization. Since then, Johannes has expressed interest in becoming more involved in DAG. I am convinced that the role of Vice Chair is the logical next step for him. I am extremely confident that he will bring new and fresh ideas to our country committee that will further our goals to reach not only Americans who are like minded, but also to better engage our current membership, and that he will be an asset to our leadership. Therefore, I ask that you strongly consider casting your vote for Johannes for Vice Chair.

Respectfully Submitted,
Kenton E. Barnes
Chair, Democrats Abroad Germany

Aileen Dinin, Chair of the Democrats Abroad Germany Düsseldorf-Ruhr Region Chapter

I first reached out to Johannes Makepeace because Democrats Abroad Germany was looking for some support interpreting German law as we set up a German e.V. entity to support our work here. He not only kindly answered an email from a complete stranger (me) asking for help, he became an enthusiastic member of our Verein committee. He answered many questions, supported the writing of German bylaws, and helped us build a long-term legal foundation for our organization. As part of this work, he developed a deep understanding of our organizational structure.

As a member of our Law Squad in recent years, he has also answered many other questions (too many to list here!) about our work as a foreign political organization in Germany.

Outside Democrats Abroad Germany, he is on the Vorstand of a music-focused Verein and runs his own law firm, giving him an excellent grounding in the organizational logistics needed for the Vice Chair role. As an American born outside the US, his lived experience will help him connect with one of our hardest-to-reach voter segments - Americans born abroad who don’t necessarily feel a connection to the US and thus don’t necessarily vote.

I was delighted to hear he was running for the Vice Chair position, and I am pleased to endorse Johannes.

Drew Thomas, Vice Chair of the Democrats Abroad Germany Munich and Southern Bavaria Chapter

Dear Fellow Democrats Abroad,

I am delighted to endorse Johannes Makepeace for Vice Chair of Democrats Abroad Germany. I first met Johannes through the Munich and Southern Bavaria chapter, where his enthusiasm for our community was immediately evident. His dedication to bringing Americans together, not just to mobilize voters, but to celebrate and uphold our shared culture, makes him an excellent candidate for this role. Just recently he was sharing about the new German dual-citizenship regulations and fielding questions from interested members.

As an attorney, Johannes has already contributed significantly to the national DAG administration, assisting with the revision of our bylaws and helping to register our organization with the German government. His meticulous attention to detail, combined with his commitment to making voting more accessible for Americans abroad, demonstrates his readiness to take on this leadership position. I have no doubt that his experience, passion, and proactive approach will strengthen our outreach efforts and help build a more connected and engaged community. I wholeheartedly support his candidacy and encourage you to vote for him as our next Vice Chair.

Sincerely,
Drew Thomas
Vice Chair, Munich and Southern Bavaria

Secretary Candidates

 

Gabriel Armas-Cardona

Hello DA! My name is Gabriel Armas-Cardona. I’m born and raised in California before moving to New York followed by moving all around the world. I’m a human rights lawyer who decided to start a second career and is now getting a PhD in Göttingen.

I’ve been part of DA since 2019. I was active with DA Saxony for the 2020 election and helped organize events, GOTV, phonebanking, and generally supported the Chair to make our chapter fun and effective. Now, I want to contribute more.

The US is in a dark place; it’s a stark reminder that democracy is not a spectator sport. The Republicans have established a top-down narrative of hate, hate against certain minority groups, hate against American policies abroad, and hate against the federal government. People are legitimately frustrated with the status quo, so unless the Democrats promote a new narrative, the narrative of hate will trump. This is why there needs to be a groundswell of activity from any and all that think the US can do better.

My goal, particularly if elected vice-Chair, is to empower each of us to achieve more. There are over 15,000 of us in Germany alone. Our potential impact is incredible, but we need coordination. The Democratic party needs to reflect the voices and ideas that will motivate the country. We can help achieve that. Imagine the impact if we could educate Americans on how universal healthcare works in Germany—there would be a lot more supporters in the US! Together, small steps can lead to big impacts.

Developing a groundswell of activity will help ensure the 2026 election puts in place people that push back against the chaos-in-chief and promote a better America. That is my goal and why you should vote for me.

Simon Raphael Hartmann

Hi everyone, I'm Simon, a dual citizen born and raised in Germany, currently studying in Freiburg. I vote in Pennsylvania, and my mom's family is from upstate New York (Rochester area).

I got involved with Democrats Abroad during the last election cycle and really enjoyed phonebanking. Talking to fellow Americans around the world and taking action felt amazing, even if the result wasn’t what we had hoped for.

I'm running for DAG Secretary & DPCA Voting Representative because I want to continue supporting the people and systems that enable Americans abroad to participate in our democracy—now more than ever. I believe these roles will allow me to take on some of the administrative workload of running DAG while getting to know Democrats Abroad as a global organisation. I also hope to contribute beyond my immediate duties and learn from everyone at DAG, especially those with more experience than me. In times like these, our DAG community can be a source of strength and guidance, and I want to do my part in making it even stronger.

Best of luck to everyone running & thanks for your consideration!

Treasurer Candidates

 

Jim Nellis

Since taking on the Treasurer position in January, I have prioritized accurate reporting, timely payment of vendors and reimbursements, and a seamless forecasting process. To achieve these goals, I developed an automated system to extract transactions from LookerStudio, generating detailed year-to-date and monthly income/expense statements for each ExCom meeting. I also revamped the payment and reimbursement submission form to simplify and streamline the process. Additionally, I established the Finance Committee to support chapters in preparing their FY25 forecasts. It has been a privilege to serve as Treasurer over the past year, and I look forward to the opportunity to continue contributing to our shared success in 2025.

Academic Outreach Coordinator

 

Michael Mulvey

It is my pleasure to submit this letter of application for academic outreach coordinator as an ever-curious educational innovator, community builder, and award-winning teacher. I will serve U.S. citizens who are secondary students, undergraduates, graduates, researchers, and teachers in Germany.My scholarly career prepared me to support this mission of assisting individuals in a transnational academic world. I am no idealist; indeed, I’ve confronted challenges in my past role of chapter chair. However, I uncynically believe that I can work to cultivate our presence in research and educational institutions across Germany. To assume that I can complete that mission alone is hubris. The only way to develop successful academic outreach is in constant dialogue. Over the past years, I mentored first-generation Americans at a designated Hispanic Serving Institution. Since 2019, I teach European History, Global History, World Wars I and II, and Historical Writing in Rheinland-Pfalz. My research and teaching background is as a cultural and intellectual historian of Modern European and Modern African history. My career reflects a commitment to empowering learners from manifold backgrounds as they fulfill goals. The challenges that confront our present and future demand historical imagination. We must be historical actors who advocate for working people, human liberation, and embrace all potential alliances. As a historian, I reflect the conservative’s sensitivity to continuity, stability, and permanence as well as the progressive’s desire for growth, development, and justice. History inspires hope through human choice thereby reminding us that our world is relative we are called to be great. The historian thus shares a calling to joy amid tears and tragedies.

Advertising Outreach Coordinator

 

Eileen Koppy

I would to run for the advertising coordinator position to increase awareness for others to participate in their elections. I recently started getting involved volunteering with DAG events last year and saw the positive impact the organization has on Americans abroad. I would like to leverage my skillset to support the growth of new members and supporters and amplify DAG's messages. My expertise in digital marketing, running paid social campaigns for multiple brands, will ensure effective execution and maintenance of advertising activities.

Chapter Development Coordinator

 

Gabriel Armas-Cardona

Hello DA! My name is Gabriel Armas-Cardona. I’m born and raised in California before moving to New York followed by moving all around the world. I’m a human rights lawyer who decided to start a second career and is now getting a PhD in Göttingen.

I’ve been part of DA since 2019. I was active with DA Saxony for the 2020 election and helped organize events, GOTV, phonebanking, and generally supported the Chair to make our chapter fun and effective. Now, I want to contribute more.

The US is in a dark place; it’s a stark reminder that democracy is not a spectator sport. The Republicans have established a top-down narrative of hate, hate against certain minority groups, hate against American policies abroad, and hate against the federal government. People are legitimately frustrated with the status quo, so unless the Democrats promote a new narrative, the narrative of hate will trump. This is why there needs to be a groundswell of activity from any and all that think the US can do better.

My goal, particularly if elected vice-Chair, is to empower each of us to achieve more. There are over 15,000 of us in Germany alone. Our potential impact is incredible, but we need coordination. The Democratic party needs to reflect the voices and ideas that will motivate the country. We can help achieve that. Imagine the impact if we could educate Americans on how universal healthcare works in Germany—there would be a lot more supporters in the US! Together, small steps can lead to big impacts.

Developing a groundswell of activity will help ensure the 2026 election puts in place people that push back against the chaos-in-chief and promote a better America. That is my goal and why you should vote for me.

Malaika Kusumi

As a dedicated chapter leader, I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges of meeting Democrats Abroad’s requirements, growing membership, and maintaining momentum—especially after the last election, which left many feeling shocked, disheartened, and uncertain about the future. But it’s precisely during these low points that we need strong, collaborative, and inspiring leadership to reignite our collective purpose.

I believe in leadership that lifts others. My vision includes creating three comprehensive guides tailored for chapter leaders: one for understanding DA’s structure and resources, one for financial processes (donations, requests, and funding), and one to help leaders navigate their roles with confidence. I will ensure bi-monthly Zoom calls and, more importantly, personal visits to chapters to connect, support, and listen directly to your needs.

To foster a stronger sense of community, I will launch a bi-monthly newsletter highlighting chapter achievements, challenges, and ideas, helping us learn and grow together. My approach is simple: instead of issuing directives, I will ask, How can I help?—and then take action.

Training sessions will empower every member to feel confident in stepping into leadership roles, ensuring the sustainability and vitality of our chapters. My commitment is to give more than I ask for, build bridges, and provide tools to strengthen Democrats Abroad and make meaningful change.

Leading with purpose, unity, and optimism, we can turn challenges into opportunities and create a stronger future together.

Letters of Endorsement

Cliff Stuehmer Jr., Membership and IT Coordinator of Democrats Abroad Germany; Global IT Volunteer

I am happy to endorse Malaika Kusumi for the role of Chapter Development Coordinator. I've known Malaika for a few years and have found her to be very generous with her time. When our membership count activity needed more calls to be made, she stepped right up and took detailed notes about her activities - which were essential for the exercise. Then, when she finished her calling list, she came back asking for more!

She has an outgoing, engaging personality, and is very approachable. These are characteristics that will be important in encouraging new leaders to step outside of their comfort zones and take on additional responsibilities.

Matt LeMieux, Chapter Development Coordinator of Democrats Abroad Germany, Vice Chair of the Münster-Osnabrück-Bielefeld Region

I am pleased to endorse Malaika Kusumi to fill the role that I have served in for the past four years. This is not an easy job, primarily because its mission is vague and its effectiveness depends almost entirely on building relationships with chapter leaders. It is difficult to develop something if they don't want to be developed. I have spoken with Malaika about these challenges, and she has offered a fresh perspective on how best to approach them. Many of our chapters still have not fully recovered from the shock of the pandemic, but I am convinced that Malaika has ideas on how to continue the recovery process. Thus, it is without hesitation that I endorse her.

Kate Sawyer, Volunteer for the Defending Democracy Initiative, Voter Protection

I have worked with Malaika over the past 5 years in various roles in Democrats Abroad - most notably when I was chair of the Frankfurt chapter. Malaika brings wonderful, positive and thoughtful energy to DA and often a unique approach that makes others reconsider their long-standing views of "how things are always done". Malaika also has a unique ability to connect with a wide range of people - helping to expand the reach of DA members and active volunteers. Her warmth and enthusiasm attracts people to DA. She is an energetic, out-of-the-box thinker who brings a lot of new and exciting ideas to the table and then works with vigor to implement them. For a concrete example of this, I would encourage others to look at the recent Frankfurt Chapter newsletters which she writes and designs. DA, and especially the Frankfurt chapter, has greatly benefited from Maliaka's enthusiastic participation and DA Germany would be well-served to have her in the role of chapter development.

Communications Coordinator

 

Nicole Gross

It has been my pleasure to serve DAG in the role of Communications Coordinator since 2023, and I look forward to continuing to serve the organization going forward.

Handling such a diverse scope of responsibilities has been a challenging yet rewarding role, especially in the run-up to the 2024 presidential election. I happily look back on what I consider a successful term of getting information out to the entire DA Germany organization, growing our social media followings, contributing to Executive Committee discussions, promoting our major events, supporting our caucuses in communicating with their members and helping out wherever I was needed, for example by helping to organize the 2024 AGM in Essen. I also serve as the local Press Coordinator for my Düsseldorf-Ruhr chapter, giving interviews and helping with the last-minute translation of talking points into German for our press surrogates.

Working in collaboration with and under the leadership of a coordinated global strategic team while remaining available for our local and national communications requirements was always my top priority. I completed a wide range of trainings to become proficient in the many tools required to fulfill the Comms Coordinator role and have proven myself a fast learner. I have worked closely with other leaders to help them provide effective messaging, including for getting out the vote and for major events like the AGM, Oktoberfest, and the election night in Berlin. Whenever someone has needed my assistance, I have been happy to provide it, and I have gratefully accepted and spread the content submitted by local chapters.

As we pivot from campaigning to resisting, I will continue to devote my time and efforts to the important tasks that lie ahead. I appreciate your consideration and your support.

Letters of Endorsement

Sarah Mulloy, Chair of Democrats Abroad Germany North & Central Bavaria Chapter, Former EMEA GOTV Coordinator

It is my pleasure to endorse Nicole Groß for reelection as DA Germany Communications Coordinator. Nicole served with distinction during the grueling 2024 election cycle, helping to craft and carry messaging from the DNC and DA Global to DA Germany members. She anticipated members’ needs, mastering a variety of tools to create and distribute consistent and informative communications for chapters, while representing DAG among the global organization’s comms departments.

In a cluttered and frequently confusing information environment, Nicole strives for accuracy, efficacy and brevity in DAG’s communications. Since attention has become one of our most precious commodities, this is both a laudable goal and a rare skill. As a certified voter assistant, I very often heard from voters I helped that they found out about DA’s voter support efforts via the national newsletter or our DAG social media presences. As such, I credit her with enfranchising dozens of voters who otherwise would not have known that there is local support they can access.

Her tireless efforts to ensure timely notification of DAG’s mission and events on our website, social media accounts and member communications led to multiple opportunities to expand outreach via German and international press. As the duties of the Press Coordinator and Comms Coordinator frequently overlap, Nicole’s close collaboration with Pegi Jones was crucial. DAG fielded frequent press requests from all over the world and Pegi and Nicole’s teamwork made a potentially chaotic flurry of activity run smoothly.

My own work with Nicole over the last two years was always fruitful, supportive and frequently left me with a more nuanced perspective on our shared goals. I came away from interactions with her better than I started. With Nicole in this role, my hope is for the next crop of DAG leaders to have the same opportunity.

Pegi Jones, Press Coordinator of Democrats Abroad Germany and At-Large Board Member of the Düsseldorf-Ruhr Region Chapter

I am happy to endorse Nicole Gross to continue in her role of DAG Communications Coordinator and also as a DPCA Voting Representative.

It has been a pleasure to work closely with Nicole Gross at the chapter level and also at the national level for the last several years.
She has managed to juggle the various responsibilities in her role as DAG Communications Coordinator and also Press Coordinator in the DüssRuhr chapter, often willing and able to interviews or translate talking points at the drop of a hat! In her communications role she has kept fellow democrats in Germany informed with her helpful, interesting, clearly written and succinct newsletters, has assisted multiple caucuses, has grown and enhanced our social media following and is a valuable and valued contributor at our Executive Committee meetings. In fact, it seems Nicole has helped just about everyone on the ExCom team, from chapters, to caucuses, to Coordinators, also helping organize a variety of national and local events including our AGM 2024, Oktoberfest, Presidential Primary, chapter coffee & cake meetings, to name a few.

Nicole is also a caring leader, concerned that all DA and DAG members feel welcomed, heard and well represented. She would be an excellent Voting Representative for Democrats Abroad members as she has an open ear for all and a willingness to act for them.

One last thing that is amazing about Nicole is her ENERGY and ability to get things done!

I ask you to please vote for Nicole Gross as DAG Communications Coordinator and Voting Representative.

Aileen Dinin, Chair of the Democrats Abroad Germany Düsseldorf-Ruhr Region Chapter

Nicole Gross has been involved in Democrats Abroad at the local and national levels for many years. She ably represents Democrats Abroad in local and national press in both German and English language media. She currently serves as Democrats Abroad Germany’s Communications Coordinator, and her heartfelt, genuine and timely newsletters certainly helped us turn out the vote. She also managed our social media presences on Facebook and Instagram. She gladly took on a number of other national tasks as well, including communicating for our national caucuses, moderating international zoom calls, and supporting our fundraising efforts (including as a member of our Oktoberfest organizing team.) All of this work has given her an excellent understanding of the Democrats Abroad Germany organization and will allow her to represent it clearly at the international level as a DPCA representative.

At our local Düsseldorf-Ruhr chapter level, she also was recently re-elected as press coordinator. Over the years, she has been a guest on a number of news programs and podcasts, as well as worked with our local print media. Additionally, she was a driving force behind the organization of the 2024 Annual General Meeting in Essen, in planning, contract negotiation and execution. Her unwavering support and willingness to put her considerable skills and network towards the Democrats Abroad cause has been a crucial pillar supporting our work as a local organization.

Her ability to represent complex issues clearly and genuinely, and her leadership, organizational, language and communication skills will be assets to the DPCA (as well as continuing in the role of Communications Coordinator), and she would be an excellent choice to represent Germany.

Events Coordinator

 

Karena Detweiler

My name is Karena Detweiler and I am running to be re-elected in the role as Events Coordinator for DA Germany.

When I began this role two years ago, I saw a strong desire across our organization to host events that bring people together and activate the incredible sense of community that defines DAG at the chapter level. However, as a fully volunteer-run organization, we faced challenges: members and leaders had varying levels of experience with websites and event management, and many were unsure how to get started.

Drawing from my professional background in organizing events, I recognized that clear processes and structure could make all the difference. I focused on identifying the main points of confusion and creating user-friendly guidelines and manuals so that anyone in our chapters could easily launch their events on the website. To further support organizers, I developed budget planning templates to help them determine how much they needed to collect from members to cover event costs. Additionally, I completed IT backend training, allowing me to assist chapters with advanced event site setup. My aim was simple: to empower our chapters to focus on what they do best—engaging their regions and energizing members—while I streamlined the administrative side of event planning.

Looking ahead, I’m eager to continue building on this foundation. I want to support the next wave of chapter and DAG leaders, helping them manage events with confidence and ensuring they can dedicate their energy to growing our community, not navigating logistical hurdles. Together, we can make it even easier for DAG to thrive at every level.

Letters of Endorsement

Sarah Mulloy, Chair of Democrats Abroad Germany North & Central Bavaria, Former EMEA GOTV Coordinator

Karena has shown exceptional aptitude and drive as Events Coordinator and I am thrilled that she’s seeking another term. She actually wore two hats during the 2023-2025 term as Events & Fundraising Coordinator, during which DA Germany raised enough money to pursue an aggressive advertising strategy, thus enabling outreach to more voters. She also had the institutional wisdom to recognize that the two roles are intensive enough that they deserve to be separate positions.

Karena’s organizational approach to DAG’s events has benefited chapter leadership and other Germany-level officers and coordinators.She built an event cost projection / tracking tool that I personally used every time my chapter considered holding an event with earnings and expenses. This also made the Treasurer’s life easier, providing greater accuracy with regard to our budget and more clarity for chapters on how to make fundraising events successful. She had a hand in getting DAG’s annual Oktoberfest event moved from Sunday to Saturday, thereby making it accessible to more attendees.

She worked tirelessly on the AGM Committee, to bring structure to Germany’s Annual General Meeting planning process. This involved collaborating with the host location’s team, attendees, restaurants, conference facilities and other vendors. If you’re attending a DA Germany event, chances are Karena was involved at some point in the process. I feel DAG is lucky to have her and I urge you to vote for her.

Issy Saatchi

Fundraising Coordinator

 

Tanja Tschech

I am excited to submit my candidacy for the role of Fundraising Coordinator. Securing funding is a talent I can offer. My early interest started with fundraising by partaking in events to support Cancer Foundations. Now strategic initiatives and collecting funding are integral for my work and soon hopefully for Democrats Abroad. I have used my business acumen to achieve many corporate financial goals. I believe these skills will help the Democrats Abroad meet their fundraising goals.

How I have secured funding in the past successfully:

  • Created a new sales channel from scratch by raising necessary funds with ongoing annual funding
  • Winning funding for a project with Augmented Reality with creative project pitches in Innovation competition
  • Regular pitches to the Board of Directors to secure funding for state-of-the-art projects
  • Management of diverse international teams

Through my professional journey, I have developed strong organizational and communication skills. My languages enable me to connect with diverse communities as well.

As Fundraising Coordinator, I will focus on enhancing existing initiatives such as Giving Tuesday, Every Vote Counts, and Dialing for Democracy while exploring new national event ideas and fundraising strategies.

I am eager to contribute to this role by fostering a culture of innovation, efficiency, and inclusivity within our fundraising initiatives. With a structured but creative approach, I aim to improve donor engagement, expand revenue streams, and support the organization's mission.

I appreciate your consideration and would be honored to serve as your Fundraising Coordinator. I look forward to the opportunity to make a meaningful impact and collaborate with all of you to achieve our goals.

Get Out the Vote (GOTV) Coordinator

 

Angela Fobbs

Dear Fellow Democrats,

I am asking for your vote to serve as our Get Out the Vote (GOTV) Coordinator because increasing voter participation is the key to winning in 2025, 2026, and beyond. Since joining Democrats Abroad in late 2016, I have been deeply committed to our mission at every level—locally, nationally, and globally.

For the past eight years, I have worked extensively on GOTV in many capacities:

  • As a chapter member and chair, I have organized in-person and online GOTV events since 2017.
  • As DAG Communications Coordinator (2017–2021), I created and shared content to help voters understand why their vote matters, how to vote, and where to get assistance.
  • As DAG Advertising Coordinator (2022–2025), I managed outreach through digital, print, and street advertising across Germany and contributed to the global advertising team.
  • As Chair of the Global Black Caucus, I have spoken to groups worldwide about the importance of voting and civic engagement.

We need to start planning now to win in 2026. I have many ideas for strengthening DA Germany’s GOTV efforts, increasing voter turnout, and ensuring our communications, advertising outreach, press outreach, and chapters work together seamlessly.

Taking back the House and Senate and winning state elections is not just a political goal—it’s a necessity for the well-being and safety of ourselves, our families, our friends, all Americans, and the future of our country and democracy. The world is counting on us, and I am ready to take on this challenge.

I care deeply about our organization and our shared mission. It would be an honor to earn your vote as GOTV Coordinator.

With gratitude and solidarity,
Angela Fobbs, Wiesbaden-Mainz Chapter

Letters of Endorsement

Kenton Barnes, Chair of Democrats Abroad Germany and DNC Member

I was excited to learn that Angela Fobbs had decided to run for the position of GOTV At-Large Coordinator for Democrats Abroad Germany. Angela is a hard-working and dedicated volunteer who goes beyond the call of duty when it comes to saving democracy. She is a woman who dons many hats within Democrats Abroad. At the local level, she is currently Chair of the Wiesbaden-Mainz Chapter where her leadership helped her chapter become one of the most active chapters in Germany: sponsoring tabling events almost weekly leading up to the 2024 election, going to military bases to register people to vote, and building a core of volunteers who were eager to help her get out the vote. At the national level, she has served DA Germany as Communications At-Large Coordinator, and as Advertising At-Large Coordinator. In those roles she made sure that DA Germany had a presence on as many social media platforms as possible: Facebook, Instagram, LinkdIn, and TikTok to name a few. She also ensured that we had ads in military publications, not only in Germany, but also throughout Europe. At the global level, Angela helped found the Global Black Caucus and is still one of its leaders to this day. In addition, Angela helped found the Ohio State Team, a team that has been successful in bringing Ohio candidates at all levels to Democrats Abroad, and also that helped many of these candidates learn about the struggles and concerns of Americans living abroad. Therefore, I am certain that with Angela’s experience, knowledge and leadership skills that she will be an excellent GOTV Coordinator.

Respectfully Submitted,

Kenton E. Barnes
Chair, Democrats Abroad Germany

Quaide Williams, Chair of Democrats Abroad Germany Cologne-Bonn Chapter, DA Germany DPCA Voting Representative, and Global LGBTQ Caucus Chair

To anyone who’s been involved in DA for the past eight years, Angela Fobbs needs no introduction. She ran for Comms Coordinator for DA Germany in 2017 and has been involved on the local, national and global level ever since. She successfully revived the Global Black Caucus and personally initiated and hosted many successful Zoom calls with incredible guest speakers and interesting topics for the GBC and for several other caucuses and teams. Angela has served as the Chair of the Mainz-Wiesbaden Chapter. In Germany she was the Global Advertising Coordinator, and she has also been a DPCA Voting Representative. Angela is now serving as Global Comms Director and Global Director of Strategic Initiatives. There are very few areas of our work that have not been influenced by her during her time in DA. Her diligence, commitment and can-do spirit make her the perfect candidate for this all-important position.

GOTV is the main focus of our work in DA – all other functions in DA, in one way or another, focus back on Getting Out The Vote. Angela’s breadth and depth of experience will serve us well in this role. There is no more important time to have someone with her abilities in this role. Please join me in voting for Angela for GOTV Coordinator!

Membership & IT Coordinator

 

Eugene Lowery

Clayton Parker

As a progressive Democrat, I am excited to run for the position of Membership and IT Coordinator, with a strong focus on leveraging technology to strengthen our chapter. In the DOD I have been told I bring a bit of a youthful spirit to the environment. Here I'll channel that into bold forward-thinking solutions that energize and mobilize our community. My goal is to assess our digital infrastructure, streamline communication, and ensure our members stay engaged and informed.

As a CISSP with a background in IT and a passion for political activism, I understand the importance of seamless digital operations. While I am new to this chapter’s IT setup, I am eager to learn about our current systems and identify areas for improvement. Ensuring our chapter has the best tools at its disposal is essential for growing our community and making participation easier for all.

I would be honored to serve in this role and bring my expertise to our chapter. I look forward to the opportunity to support our mission and help keep our people informed, engaged, and empowered.

Cliff Stuehmer Jr.

I helped found my local chapter in 2020 and have since been its Secretary. I'm active in several IT-related capacities.

Nationally: you elected me to this position in 2023. I took on the new responsibilities administering our email accounts, distribution lists, and shared storage. In that, I found a way to save hundreds of dollars. I made your data available to you for voter outreach while strictly following our data handling rules. I provided training and consultation on how to use our systems.

Globally: I contribute to acute/ongoing global member data quality initiatives. I am the person identifying congressional districts for members — critical for taking back the U.S. House. I devised a cheaper and more consistent way for this, saving hundreds of dollars from the global IT budget. I actively test DA's Vote From Abroad ballot request system, and always look for ways to make the system more user-friendly. I strive for that in other areas too: make the technology accessible to the voter and the volunteer.

I am proud of what DA achieved in the 2024 election cycle am sure IT contributions made it faster, easier, cheaper and more effective. If re-elected, I will need to start preparing for a knowledge transfer nearly immediately, because I want sustainable knowledge sharing, and I will be termed out in early 2027.

For 2025-27, I plan to continue along the path I began in 2023:

  • optimize voter outreach
  • use your feedback to drive improvements benefiting all country committees
  • share best practices for membership data
  • recruit a small team for load-sharing and bottleneck prevention

We've got big results to deliver in 2026. I want to get the most mileage out of the resources available to us, and make success easier for our successors.

Letters of Endorsement

(see more at https://vote.cliff.omg.lol)

Michele Cenzer, DA Global IT Volunteer

I strongly endorse Cliff Stuehmer for the Democrats Abroad Germany Membership and IT Coordinator position.

I say without exaggeration that Cliff Stuehmer is one of my favorite colleagues. He is firstly very good at solving problems and developing solutions that save hassle, time, and money. Cliff asks thorough questions that get to the root of what needs solving before starting a project, so we don’t waste energy heading in the wrong direction. He adapts quickly to changes, even when we might find the changes frustrating. He is patient with people who need time or explanation in understanding software, new processes, and alternatives to the way we’ve always done it.

Cliff cares about the end goal, the why of what we are doing, not just coming up with a process. Will it help us reach more voters? Will it make it easier for teams to use the data we have? Will it save us money? The IT team has benefited noticeably because of his focus on Democrats Abroad goals.

Cliff also cares about the people, not just the tech. I have never had the honor of meeting Cliff in real life. We have lived thousands of miles apart. But we got to know each other as we worked on many projects over these past few years. Now, I am now glad to call him a friend. He is thoughtful and funny and kind. He volunteers even when he is busy. These strengths are why I turn to Cliff when I have a technical question that maybe other people could answer. I know that he will never belittle me and will always work to help. That is the best you can ask of your “data dude”.

Geoff Simmons, Chair of the Hamburg and Northern Germany Chapter

I‘ve had numerous interactions with Cliff over the past two years, and it‘s been refreshing to get to the geeky level with someone from the IT field. DA is not a technology undertaking, of course, but I can confirm that Cliff is well-qualified in the technical skills that the role requires. He applies those skills well in the service of our cause, and will continue to be an great asset for DA Germany over the next two years.

Pete Kaiser, DA Global IT Volunteer

Cliff is smart, hardworking, cooperative, imaginative and dedicated. We've worked together on DA's IT team for years, and he has been a terrific colleague. His sense of humor helps!

Press Coordinator

 

Pegi Jones

It would be an honor to be reelected as your DAG Press Coordinator and I ask for your support.

As the current DAG Press Coordinator, I reflect on an extraordinary, productive & challenging election year 2024, although the results were not what we had worked so hard for. Heartbreaking. We experienced an incredible surge in interview requests, we spoke with various journalists & news outlets, in key panel discussions & debates across Germany. We successfully expanded our press team with further surrogate speakers, translators, organizers - all strong allies who offered not only moral support but also practical advise. I also worked closely with the DA Global Comms Team.

The pace truly intensified when Kamala Harris announced her candidacy! Up to Election Day, we saw an unprecedented peak in both activity and impact. It was an honor to contribute in my role, working alongside dedicated DA members who share the same commitment to democracy and voter engagement.

Our efforts helped reach Americans living in Germany, gaining new members and helping inform many Americans in Germany that they have the right to vote!

I would like to continue to put my professional experience as Communications Manager to work for Democrats Abroad Germany. I have lived in Germany for many decades and been a member of DA for almost as long and am a member of my beloved chapter DüssRuhr, where I have also had leadership roles. I am fluent in English and German. I vote in Colorado, where I was also active for the Colorado Democratic Party and various campaigns. Having never missed a US election, I deeply understand the challenges we face as Americans abroad, and I am passionate about the importance of voting!

I would be honored to be reelected as DAG Press Coordinator.

Letters of Endorsement

Reavis Hilz-Ward, Member of the Frankfurt and Greater Hessen Chapter and Member of the DAG Press Team

Pegi is an outstanding manager and dedicated Democrat. She is highly responsive and thoughtful in everything she does. I have seen over and over how she supports and encourages people and motivates volunteers to do what they can. She responds to crisis situations with calm, reassurance and understanding and helps her team members to find workable responses to challenging situations. She maintains a good overview of all of us working in different areas and gives us clear guidelines, while also trusting people to do the right thing. Pegi is very well informed on the issues and deeply committed. I highly recommend her for DAG Press Coordinator and also to be a DPCA Voting Rep. She has carried out the former role with high competence and we need excellent communicators like her to be Voting Reps.

Nicole Gross, Communications Coordinator of Democrats Abroad Germany

It has been my pleasure to work closely with Pegi Jones over the past few years at both a chapter and national level, and I am delighted to endorse her to continue as our Democrats Abroad Germany Press Coordinator. I personally have worked with Pegi both in my role of a chapter press surrogate for the Düsseldorf-Ruhr chapter and as the Communicators Coordinator for DA Germany. Both jobs have given me the opportunity to experience Pegi’s excellent work firsthand.

Pegi’s role is uniquely challenging because she oversees a team which speaks on behalf of our large country committee in both German and English. This work is also time sensitive, with media outlets requesting surrogate speakers in specific areas on extremely short notice. Despite this often stressful environment, Pegi always manages to help her team of speakers feel supported and well prepared, advocating for the global team to provide us with talking points and necessary training.

Pegi proved just how good she is at her job in July 2024 during the transition from Biden to Harris as our presidential candidate. Suddenly, DAG had an unprecedented number of press requests to handle on short notice during vacation season. Pegi dealt with the situation with grace and competence and helped guide our surrogate speakers through that turbulent time.

I also appreciate Pegi’s contributions to our ExCom meetings and discussions, where she presents her ideas thoughtfully. She has a firm grasp of how our organization works, which has made her a valuable leader. I look forward to continuing to benefit from her professionalism and cooperation for the next two years.

Aileen Dinin, Chair of the Democrats Abroad Germany Düsseldorf-Ruhr Region Chapter

Pegi Jones has served in Democrats Abroad Germany as the Press Coordinator for the 2023-2025 term. She’s organized an incredible team of press surrogates, and she and her team ably dealt with the huge number of interview requests (often double-digit in a single day) that came with the presidential race. She responds quickly to interview requests, and has built up personal relationships as well as advanced the Dems Abroad reputation with local journalists and press outlets. Her efficient team-building helped to ensure that no one press surrogate was overwhelmed, and we reached an unprecedented number of media outlets in Germany.

Additionally, she coordinated the rapid dissemination of global talking points and when needed, provided them in German as well (helping those of us with work-in-progress German immensely when communicating with the press.) Her service-oriented approach to the Press Coordinator role, as well as her network within our organization will serve her well in the DPCA representative role.

At the local level, she was previously our press and comms coordinator. She is also a treasured volunteer, helping at our Global Presidential Primary as well as many other events.

Pegi’s press and local work has given her an excellent understanding of the Democrats Abroad Germany organization and our work and concerns at the local and national level. She is an excellent representative for Democrats Abroad, and I am proud to support her candidacy for both DPCA representative and Press Coordinator.

DPCA Voting Representative

 

Angela Fobbs (female)

Dear Fellow Democrats Abroad,

I am honored to ask for your vote as a DPCA Voting Representative for DA Germany. Since joining Democrats Abroad at the end of 2016, I’ve been deeply involved at all levels of our organization—locally, nationally, and globally.

Leadership Roles and Experience:

I’ve had the privilege to serve in the following roles:

  • Global Director of Strategic Initiatives (2024 – Present)
  • Global Communications Director (2023 – 2024)
  • Chair of Wiesbaden-Mainz Chapter (2022 – Present)
  • DAG Advertising Coordinator (2021 – 2025)
  • DAG DPCA Representative (2020 – Present)
  • Founder and Chair of the Global Black Caucus (2017–2021; 2023 – Present)
  • Environment & Climate Crisis Council (ECCC) Steering Committee Member (since 2021)
  • Global Women’s Caucus Steering Committee Member (since 2017)
  • Attended the 2024 DNC as Chief of Staff of our DA Delegation

In each of these positions, I’ve worked to empower our members, engage voters, and strengthen Democrats Abroad to meet the challenges we face as a global organization.

Why I’m Running

I dedicated the past 8 years to defending democracy. I am inspired daily by the passion and dedication of our community. Together, we’ve achieved historic victories—winning the presidency, securing a Democratic Congress in 2020, and exceeding expectations in 2022. But our work is far from over.

With your support, I will continue to advocate for DA Germany and ensure our voices are heard as we fight to protect vulnerable populations, human right, voting rights and our democracy and expand Democratic majorities in 2026 and beyond. I will never stop fighting!

I care deeply about our organization and our mission. I would be honored to earn your vote as a DPCA Voting Representative. Thank you for your trust and for all you do to support Democrats Abroad.

With gratitude,
Angela Fobbs

Letters of Endorsement

Niki Vonderwell, Co-Lead of the Ohio River Valley State Team

I am happy to endorse Angela for the position of DPCA Voting Representative for DA Germany. Angela and I have had the opportunity to work closely as co-leads of the Ohio River Valley State Team since the summer of 2021, and I’ve known her for even longer. Over this time, I have been consistently impressed by her dedication, professionalism, and thoughtful approach to leadership.

Angela brings a wealth of experience to this role, having served in various capacities within Democrats Abroad, including as Global Communications Director, Chair of the Wiesbaden-Mainz Chapter, and founder of the Global Black Caucus. Her work on the Environment & Climate Crisis Council and the Global Women’s Caucus further demonstrates her commitment to critical issues that matter to our organization and its members.

What stands out most about Angela is her ability to balance strategic thinking with a deep care for the people she serves. She works tirelessly to empower members, engage voters, and strengthen Democrats Abroad, always bringing a calm and steady presence to her leadership. Her dedication to defending democracy and advancing our shared mission has been evident in the contributions she has made across every level of the organization.

Angela’s experience, coupled with her clear focus on ensuring that DA Germany has a strong voice in the global community, makes her an excellent candidate for DPCA Voting Representative. I have full confidence in her ability to serve effectively and thoughtfully in this role, and I encourage you to consider supporting her candidacy.

Karen Frankenstein (female)

Letters of Endorsement

Self-Endorsement

Born in Germany to a State Department family, I caught the travel bug early—and took my first flight, at just three days old. My Chinese-German-English heritage and a curiosity gene has taken me to live in 11 countries, and am always looking for the next place to explore.

My activism started at age 8 when I organized a student petition to save our arts program. Later, I pursued a career in the arts, working in IT between gigs. Surprisingly, both fields require flexibility, improvisation, intense focus, and an understanding of different structures. After Trump’s election, I began volunteering with DA, and in 2023 was elected International Secretary.

This 2 years has been thrilling, exhausting, and exciting - and yes, disappointing, because we didn’t win in 2025. But this time has given me great insight into how DA works, and the key role that DAG plays in our international organization.

My goal as a DPCA will be to ensure that the CC’s get the support they need and that DAG in particular gets the recognition it deserves and the support at the international level that it should have. I’m happy to take any questions or talk about any issues you might want to bring to the DA table.

Christian J. Gross (male)

Dear fellow Democrats Abroad,

I am running as a DPCA voting representative and would be honored to represent Democrats Abroad. I am an Oregon voter, who grew up in Ohio. By profession, I am a geologist who has worked in groundwater research, on engineering geology and environmental projects, and have done both basic and applied research in Germany (University of Goettingen,1992 – 2024). As a scientist, I am appalled at the attack on public education, science, and medical research that is taking place, e.g., the confirmation of a totally unqualified Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., etc. My experience both in and out of DA is:

  • being politically active since college (1980’s) as an environmental activist for the League of Conservation Voters (Oregon)
  • being a member of DAG since 2000
  • having been an active organizer in the March for Science (Goettingen, 2017 – 2019)
  • serving as Chapter Chair of the Goettingen-Hannover Region (2019 – 2022), organizing GOTV tabling events, as well as the 2020 GPP in Goettingen and Kassel
  • serving as the Goettingen-Hannover Chapter Chair (July 2024 – present)
  • serving as Vice Chair from 2022 to July 2024
  • being elected as a DCPA Voting Representative (2022 – present)
  • serving on the Bylaws committee (2024 – present)

I am running because the Trump administration and the Republicans want to erase our history, instead of facing the truth. Secondly, all our institutions, agencies and programs to help everyday Americans are threatened. Moreover, the guiding principles of our Democracy and Constitution are under attack. And lastly, very important is the right of every American abroad to vote in our elections.

Our strength is our diversity. We need to Unite, Resist, and Say No Not With Us! I believe my background in DA and my knowledge as a geologist is an asset to Democrats Abroad.

Thank you for your consideration!

Letters of Endorsement

Malaika Kusumi, Vice Chair of the Frankfurt and Greater Hessen Region Chapter, Chair of the DA Germany Black Caucus, DA Germany DPCA Representative

If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of meeting Christian J. Gross, let me introduce you—and tell you why he is exactly the kind of leader Democrats Abroad needs as our next DPCA Representative.

The world is at a critical turning point. Politically and environmentally, we are heading toward disaster—unless we create a strong Gegenwind (headwind) to push back. That requires fresh perspectives, bold leadership, and a deep commitment to action.

Diversity is key. And I don’t just mean diversity in terms of gender, race, religion, or age—I mean diversity of thought, experience, and vision. Christian embodies this in every way. With a background in structural geology and geodynamics, his ability to analyze complex systems, anticipate challenges, and find innovative solutions is exactly what we need in this moment of global uncertainty. His impressive track record—24 publications, nearly 6,000 reads, and 46 citations, including recognition from the Department of Agriculture—proves his ability to navigate intricate problems with precision and expertise.

But beyond his credentials, Christian brings fresh energy, a unique perspective, and a collaborative spirit that will strengthen DA in powerful ways. I encourage you to cast your vote for Christian J.Gross—and if you get the chance, take the time to know him. You’ll be better for it, just as I was.

Kenton Barnes, Chair of Democrats Abroad Germany and DNC Member

I would like to use this opportunity to offer my support for Christian Gross to become one of Democrats Abroad Germany’s DPCA Voting Reps. Chris has been a member of Democrats Abroad for a number of years and has been very active at both the chapter and national levels. At the chapter level, he was Chair of the Göttingen-Hannover Chapter from 2021-2023 and again from 2024 – the present. He has served DAG as DPCA Voting Rep for the current cycle. When the Bylaws were changed to require DPCA Voting Reps be active in a DAG or Global Committee, he agreed to become a member of the Standing Bylaws Committee. He has been a valued member of that committee, helping to revise DA Germany’s bylaws as needed. In addition, he approaches the job of DPCA Voting Rep with a dedication that is admirable. He makes sure that he is informed about the issues before the DPCA and queries his constituents to make sure that he considers their voices and opinions in casting votes at global meeting. I know that if re-elected, Chris will continue to do due diligence in representing the members of DA Germany.

Respectfully Submitted,

Kenton E. Barnes
Chair, Democrats Abroad Germany

Quaide Williams, Chair of Democrats Abroad Germany Cologne-Bonn Chapter, DA Germany DPCA Voting Representative, and Global LGBTQ Caucus Chair

I first met Chris back at a meeting in Göttingen many, many years ago. He was just getting his feet wet in DA leadership, and since then he has served in many jobs and taken on a number of different roles across DAG. One of those jobs was with me on the Standing Bylaws Committee where I saw firsthand how his ability to analyze issues and to come up with creative solutions really benefited the team, as did his constructive and positive approach to other members! As an academic, Chris is a thinker, and the only thing better than being a thinker is being a doer. He’s both, and in a volunteer organization such as DA, that is a winning combo!

Chris has served as a Chapter Chair and Vice Chair, and he has already served one term as a DPCA Voting Representative. The breadth and depth of his experience on the local, national and global levels make him one of the most valuable members of DAG leadership. This experience, in my opinion, is also the most important reason to support him for re-election.

Chris is a scientist, a geologist, and he cares deeply about the environment. His commitment to the Democratic Party, and to DA are evident. Chris is a trusted member of the DAG Executive Committee, and someone who gets along with everyone.

Please join me in supporting Christian Gross for DPCA Voting Representative. Cast one of your votes for Chris!

Nicole Gross (female)

Like many, I became more active in Democrats Abroad during the 2016 election cycle and have gradually gotten to know all levels of our organization within Germany.

After initial leadership within our Düsseldorf-Ruhr chapter, I have served as the Communications Coordinator for DA Germany since 2023. Handling such a diverse scope of responsibilities has been a challenging yet rewarding role, especially in the run-up to the 2024 presidential election. I happily look back on what I consider a successful term of getting information out to the entire DA Germany organization, growing our social media followings, contributing to Executive Committee discussions, promoting our major events, supporting our caucuses in communicating with their members and helping out wherever I was needed, e.g. by helping to organize the 2024 AGM in Essen. I am also the local Press Coordinator for my chapter, giving interviews and helping with the last-minute translation of talking points into German for our press surrogates.

Throughout this period, I have seen both the strengths and the weaknesses of our global organization first-hand. Germany is a large and thus extremely important country committee within Democrats Abroad, and I feel it is important for our voice to be expressed clearly at a global level by voting reps with a decisive point-of-view and the courage to express it.

As a DPCA voting rep, my primary aim would be to involve as many of our members as possible in shaping our global strategy. We can most effectively get out the vote for candidates we believe in and who pursue goals we support. We cannot ask our members to actively support party platforms with their time, energy, and donations without also giving them power in shaping them. This insight remains my main motivation in running for this role.
I appreciate your consideration and support.

Letters of Endorsement

Pegi Jones, Press Coordinator of Democrats Abroad Germany and At-Large Board Member of the Düsseldorf-Ruhr Region Chapter

I am happy to endorse Nicole Gross to continue in her role of DAG Communications Coordinator and also as a DPCA Voting Representative.

It has been a pleasure to work closely with Nicole Gross at the chapter level and also at the national level for the last several years.
She has managed to juggle the various responsibilities in her role as DAG Communications Coordinator and also Press Coordinator in the DüssRuhr chapter, often willing and able to interviews or translate talking points at the drop of a hat! In her communications role she has kept fellow democrats in Germany informed with her helpful, interesting, clearly written and succinct newsletters, has assisted multiple caucuses, has grown and enhanced our social media following and is a valuable and valued contributor at our Executive Committee meetings. In fact, it seems Nicole has helped just about everyone on the ExCom team, from chapters, to caucuses, to Coordinators, also helping organize a variety of national and local events including our AGM 2024, Oktoberfest, Presidential Primary, chapter coffee & cake meetings, to name a few.

Nicole is also a caring leader, concerned that all DA and DAG members feel welcomed, heard and well represented. She would be an excellent Voting Representative for Democrats Abroad members as she has an open ear for all and a willingness to act for them.

One last thing that is amazing about Nicole is her ENERGY and ability to get things done!

I ask you to please vote for Nicole Gross as DAG Communications Coordinator and Voting Representative.

Aileen Dinin, Chair of the Democrats Abroad Germany Düsseldorf-Ruhr Region Chapter

Nicole Gross has been involved in Democrats Abroad at the local and national levels for many years. She ably represents Democrats Abroad in local and national press in both German and English language media. She currently serves as Democrats Abroad Germany’s Communications Coordinator, and her heartfelt, genuine and timely newsletters certainly helped us turn out the vote. She also managed our social media presences on Facebook and Instagram. She gladly took on a number of other national tasks as well, including communicating for our national caucuses, moderating international zoom calls, and supporting our fundraising efforts (including as a member of our Oktoberfest organizing team.) All of this work has given her an excellent understanding of the Democrats Abroad Germany organization and will allow her to represent it clearly at the international level as a DPCA representative.

At our local Düsseldorf-Ruhr chapter level, she also was recently re-elected as press coordinator. Over the years, she has been a guest on a number of news programs and podcasts, as well as worked with our local print media. Additionally, she was a driving force behind the organization of the 2024 Annual General Meeting in Essen, in planning, contract negotiation and execution. Her unwavering support and willingness to put her considerable skills and network towards the Democrats Abroad cause has been a crucial pillar supporting our work as a local organization.

Her ability to represent complex issues clearly and genuinely, and her leadership, organizational, language and communication skills will be assets to the DPCA (as well as continuing in the role of Communications Coordinator), and she would be an excellent choice to represent Germany.

Simon Raphael Hartmann (male)

Hi everyone, I'm Simon, a dual citizen born and raised in Germany, currently studying in Freiburg. I vote in Pennsylvania, and my mom's family is from upstate New York (Rochester area).

I got involved with Democrats Abroad during the last election cycle and really enjoyed phonebanking. Talking to fellow Americans around the world and taking action felt amazing, even if the result wasn’t what we had hoped for.

I'm running for DAG Secretary & DPCA Voting Representative because I want to continue supporting the people and systems that enable Americans abroad to participate in our democracy—now more than ever. I believe these roles will allow me to take on some of the administrative workload of running DAG while getting to know Democrats Abroad as a global organisation. I also hope to contribute beyond my immediate duties and learn from everyone at DAG, especially those with more experience than me. In times like these, our DAG community can be a source of strength and guidance, and I want to do my part in making it even stronger.

Best of luck to everyone running & thanks for your consideration!

Ann Hesse (female)

I am honored to ask for your vote as a DPCA Voting Representative for DA Germany. Over the past eight years, I’ve served in multiple leadership roles, including Stuttgart Chapter Chair, Global Caucus Coordinator, and Chair of the Global Women’s Caucus (GWC), which I’ve helped grow from a few hundred members to over 10,000. These roles—both locally and globally—have given me a deep understanding of how our organization works, what can be improved, and how global leaders can best support volunteers on the ground.

During my tenure as Women’s Caucus Chair, I’ve regularly collaborated with global teams and committees, including the DA Platform Committee, contributing to the document that shapes and guides our organization. Working closely with colleagues, I’ve helped draft, edit, negotiate, and build consensus on language that reflects our shared values and vision. I enjoy analyzing proposals from multiple perspectives, listening to diverse voices, and finding common ground to move our organization forward. This experience has strengthened my skills in thoughtful decision-making—an essential quality for a Voting Representative.

I have no illusions about the challenges ahead. Our democracy is under unprecedented attack, and the road ahead will be rough. But I refuse to be discouraged. I draw strength from the dedication of my DA colleagues and remain fiercely motivated to fight for a better future—for my two daughters and the next generation.

I believe Democrats Abroad can be a powerful force for creating that future. I would be honored to represent DA Germany and contribute my experience, creativity, and dedication to our shared mission.

Thank you for your consideration.

Ann Hesse
Chair, Democrats Abroad Global Women’s Caucus

Letters of Endorsement

Angela Fobbs, Chair of the Democrats Abroad Germany Wiesbaden-Mainz Chapter

I am pleased to endorse my good friend and dedicated colleague, Ann Hesse, for the role of DPCA Voting Representative for Democrats Abroad Germany. Ann is a tireless advocate for our democratic values and a proven leader who demonstrates the vision and commitment needed to strengthen our organization.

For the past eight years, Ann has been instrumental in shaping Democrats Abroad, serving in various leadership roles, including Stuttgart Chapter Chair and Chair of the Global Women’s Caucus. Under her leadership, the Women’s Caucus has grown to over 10,000 members, amplifying women's voices globally.

Her extensive experience in grassroots organizing and policy development makes her uniquely qualified to be a DPCA Voting Representative. Ann excels at building consensus and analyzing complex proposals with both intellect and empathy, which is crucial in our current political climate.

With deep integrity and unwavering commitment, Ann is a listener, bridge-builder, and problem-solver. As we face significant threats to democracy, we need leaders like her to unite us and drive meaningful change. I wholeheartedly support Ann Hesse for DPCA Voting Representative, and I hope you will, too.

Pegi Jones (female)

It would be an honor to be elected as your DPCA Voting Representative and I ask for your support in my election.

As the current Democrats Abroad Germany Press Coordinator, I reflect on what an extraordinary, productive and also challenging year the election year 2024 was, even though the election results were sadly not what we had hoped and worked so hard for. Crushing. We as the DAG press team experienced an incredible surge in interviews & key panel discussions and debates across Germany. It was an honor to contribute in my role, working alongside dedicated DA members who share the same commitment to democracy and voter engagement.
As a team, we were strong allies to one another, contributing in a multitude of ways. I would like to carry that team spirit to the global level

I have been a member of Democrats Abroad for many decades and am a member of my beloved chapter DüssRuhr., where I have also had leadership roles. I vote in Colorado, where I was active for many years in the Colorado Democratic Party and various campaigns.

Germany is an important country within Democrats Abroad, and I would be honored to represent my fellow DAG members in a global capacity. I have been actively working with the DA Global COMMs team. Together we are stronger, especially with the many and new challenges we are facing.

Together, we can continue to strengthen our impact and help ensure the voice of Americans living abroad is heard in our elections.

It would be an honor to represent you as DPCA Voting Representative and I ask for your support in my election.

I close with a quote from Illinois Governor Pritzker:
“Tyranny requires your fear, your silence, and your compliance.
Democracy requires your courage.”

Letters of Endorsement

Reavis Hilz-Ward, Member of the Frankfurt and Greater Hessen Chapter and Member of the DAG Press Team

Pegi is an outstanding manager and dedicated Democrat. She is highly responsive and thoughtful in everything she does. I have seen over and over how she supports and encourages people and motivates volunteers to do what they can. She responds to crisis situations with calm, reassurance and understanding and helps her team members to find workable responses to challenging situations. She maintains a good overview of all of us working in different areas and gives us clear guidelines, while also trusting people to do the right thing. Pegi is very well informed on the issues and deeply committed. I highly recommend her for DAG Press Coordinator and also to be a DPCA Voting Rep. She has carried out the former role with high competence and we need excellent communicators like her to be Voting Reps.

Aileen Dinin, Chair of the Democrats Abroad Germany Düsseldorf-Ruhr Region Chapter

Pegi Jones has served in Democrats Abroad Germany as the Press Coordinator for the 2023-2025 term. She’s organized an incredible team of press surrogates, and she and her team ably dealt with the huge number of interview requests (often double-digit in a single day) that came with the presidential race. She responds quickly to interview requests, and has built up personal relationships as well as advanced the Dems Abroad reputation with local journalists and press outlets. Her efficient team-building helped to ensure that no one press surrogate was overwhelmed, and we reached an unprecedented number of media outlets in Germany.

Additionally, she coordinated the rapid dissemination of global talking points and when needed, provided them in German as well (helping those of us with work-in-progress German immensely when communicating with the press.) Her service-oriented approach to the Press Coordinator role, as well as her network within our organization will serve her well in the DPCA representative role.

At the local level, she was previously our press and comms coordinator. She is also a treasured volunteer, helping at our Global Presidential Primary as well as many other events.

Pegi’s press and local work has given her an excellent understanding of the Democrats Abroad Germany organization and our work and concerns at the local and national level. She is an excellent representative for Democrats Abroad, and I am proud to support her candidacy for both DPCA representative and Press Coordinator.

Marcus Kesler (male)

Malaika Kusumi (female)

I’ll be honest—I started this role with 100% passion, commitment, and devotion because that’s who I am. That’s how I was raised, and that’s how I’m wired. But at one point, I considered stepping away from DA. Then I realized in times of doom and gloom: is exactly when I need to stand up.

Watching leaders like Jasmine Crockett fight tirelessly, delivering the same message I believe in, reaffirmed my purpose. Democrats we must make our message clear, accessible, and engaging. We need to meet people where they are—emotionally, mentally, and physically, and this cannot happen if we do not expand our leadership. It also means delivering messaging that is short, impactful and resonates. That is my strength.

Yes, I do things differently—and that’s a good thing. That’s real diversity. As a second-term DPCA member, I bring fresh energy and a commitment to inclusivity. With your vote, you’re choosing diversity of thought, character, and style. You’re choosing a voice that stands up, speaks out, and brings people in.

Let’s keep expanding and building together. Vote for me.

Letters of Endorsement

Reavis Hilz-Ward, Member of the Frankfurt and Greater Hessen Chapter and Member of the DAG Press Team

Malaika, as Vice Chair of the Frankfurt Chapter, has shown a wonderfully steady hand and strong, visionary leadership style. With her focus on cooperation, helping volunteers to identify the tasks that most motivate them and enabling people to give their best, she has tirelessly worked to develop the Chapter from the bottom up and the top down. She excels in bringing the right people together at the right time, finding new and creative ways to reach target groups effectively and ensuring that everyone can contribute and feel inspired.

I endorse Malaika for the position of Chapter Development Coordinator, because I have seen how effectively she seeks people out and involves them, her knack for building coalitions, her proactive attitude to cooperation and her persistence in supporting the Chapter to success.

I also endorse her for DPCA Voting Representative. In the role as Alternative, she networked, discussed, contributed and showed an important presence of DA at the Convention and ensured that DA was recognized for our contribution. This kind of advocacy is terribly important and Malaika has demonstrated that she can show the presence we need.

Creativity, humanity, inclusiveness, hard work and dedication are all qualities Malaika brings to her roles in DA. And these are in my view just what we require for these challenging times.

Starla Goggins, Chair of the Democrats Abroad Canada Black Caucus and Secretary of the DA Global Black Caucus Steering Committee

I have worked with Malaika on the DA Global Black Caucus Steering Committee since around 2022. Malaika has been uncompromising in upholding and supporting DA Global values and policies. She has pursued knowledge and research towards promoting the vote, communications, and energetic voice in carrying out the goals of the Democratic Party. This candidate would give excellent representation reflecting the DA and I unconditionally recommend her to the DPCA.

Matt LeMieux (male)

I am running for my second stint as a DPCA rep. I bring to this not only the experience of having already served, but more importantly, almost 10 years of DAG experience. I was a co-founder of the Münster precinct that eventually became the MOB Chapter. I was its first chair and will soon finish serving as its vice-chair. And for the past four years I have also served as DAG Chapter Development Coordinator, and as a member of the DAG Bylaws Committee. I believe all of these positions will allow me to ably represent DAG at the Global level.

Justin‘e Lorenz (non-binary)

Letters of Endorsement

Self-Endorsement

A Fulbright Scholarship brought me to Lübeck where I lived for five years and first became active with Democrats Abroad in 2021. Since then, I’ve:

  • colored in postcards,
  • attended the last two AGMs,
  • tabled at many CSD and GOTV events,
  • attended the 2024 Leadership Retreat, the monthly NCB chapter and DAG ExCom meetings,
  • and helped with membership cleanup.

One of the first things I did when I moved to Würzburg in 2023 was to send an email to my new chapter, asking what I could do to get involved, and my persistence in doing what I can for my home country in my unique position as a US-American abroad is why I am now running for DPCA Voting Representative.

As a voting representative, I will communicate that we--particularly my fellow young voters--want our party to shift away from the center and move back towards the left, taking a firm stance for fair wealth distribution, the protection of human rights and our planet. US-Americans on the left as well as the right are already taking hits from our current government, whose only interests lie in making the billionaire class even wealthier, and we can win if that’s where we set our focus.

Thank you, and I hope I can count on your vote.

Sarah Mulloy, Chair of Democrats Abroad Germany North & Central Bavaria, Former EMEA GOTV Coordinator

Justin’e Lorenz has distinguished themself in DA Germany as someone who improves the environment just by showing up. And do they ever show up! After initially getting involved with DAG in the Lübeck precinct, they moved to Würzburg and were proactive about contacting and volunteering with NCB. Always being present, pleasant and ready to help, they attended NCB planning meetings and our Würzburg leadership retreat. They were core staff in NCB’s 4 different Christopher Street Day events throughout 2024 (Würzburg, Regensburg, Nürnberg and Erlangen). When I mentioned that I welcomed their involvement, but that they didn’t need to do all of them, they replied that LGBTQIA+ visibility and equity were important to them and that they needed to support it wherever it was happening, regardless of ease or convenience.

I’m confident that this is the conviction and clarity of purpose Justin’e will bring to the role of DPCA Voting Representative. I believe their judgment and input on issues the DPCA considers will be invaluable to the body as a whole. They don’t get involved lightly, so if you have the opportunity to include them on your team, take it. This is why I urge you to vote for Justin’e Lorenz as DPCA Voting Representative.

Cliff Stuehmer Jr., Membership and IT Coordinator of Democrats Abroad Germany; Global IT volunteer

I've had the pleasure of working with Justin'e Lorenz at the local chapter level - most frequently in the context of planning chapter events. Their reliability and dedication to getting out the vote (even while trying new ways to do it) is impressive. But what really moved me to endorse them is their kindness. Justin'e reminds me that we must overpack on kindness on this journey for sustainable justice. In a political climate saturated by fear and hate and mistrust, that's no small ask. I don't know that it's easy for them (it's certainly not for me). But they are showing us that it is possible, and inspiring me to try.

We all know DA needs to reach more voters (abstainers and converts and first-timers alike). Justin'e's kind, progressive voice will be an essential asset - both internally to DA and externally towards voters.

Courtney Newman (female)

My name is Courtney. I’m from AZ, but now vote in CO. I have lived in Cologne for 6 years and work in the sustainability field. I am honored to run for DPCA Voting Representative.

I joined DAG in 2019 and have been involved ever since. I have gained invaluable experience working at all levels of DA in various roles over the years including DAG Youth Caucus Leader, DA Global Youth Caucus Founding Member and Co-Chair, DAG Events and Fundraising Coordinator, and former DPCA Voting Representative. I’ve also been involved in the Global Youth Caucus’ phonebanking activities, DAG’s academic outreach work, and previously led the Chapter Nominations and Elections Committee.

Most recently, I served as Cologne-Bonn Chapter’s Events Coordinator with the goal to build up and activate our local chapter members. This chapter-level work is very important to me, as I strongly believe our organization’s success is built on meaningful connections within our community that translate into passionate and empowered volunteers.

After November’s elections, I was broken. Despite the despair, I adamantly chose to dedicate myself to constant involvement and action. As a young, bisexual woman and an environmental activist, now more than ever, I am motivated to fight day in and day out for change, progress, and a thriving democracy. I want to ensure a future that is just, equitable, and prosperous for everyone, an America to be proud of - that is why I am running to be your Voting Representative.

As your DPCA Voting Representative, I will represent DAG proudly with my passion and experience. I promise to bring new and inclusive perspectives, to listen to and advocate for all, and continuously engage with and empower our members. I will work hard and collaboratively to continue improving our organization and amplifying its impact.

Thank you for your consideration!

Letters of Endorsement

Kenton Barnes, Chair of Democrats Abroad Germany and DNC Member

I am pleased to offer my support of Courtney Newman’s candidacy for DOCA Voting Representative. I first encountered Courtney shortly after she joined Democrats Abroad Germany in 2019. After becoming a member, she hit the ground running and got involved with the Youth Caucus both in Germany and at the Global level of which she is a founding member and co-chair. However, I had the opportunity to see her work ethic up close when she and I were both appointed to the Chapter Nominations and Election Committee in 2020. She quickly became an invaluable member of the committee helping to lead and manage several of our 14 chapters’ elections processes in 2021. She was subsequently elected Events and Fund-Raising At-Large Coordinator, a big job that she navigated well planning events such as our AGM, our annual Oktoberfest event, as well as assisting in planning GOTV and other fundraising events. Courtney is a capable and dedicated member, who, as one of our youth members, would bring a perspective to the ExCom and the DPCA that is sorely needed. Having been a DPCA Voting Rep in the past gives her the institutional knowledge and experience to be re-elected to the position. I ask that like me, you strongly consider Courtney for one of our DPCA Voting Rep positions.

Respectfully Submitted,

Kenton E. Barnes
Chair, Democrats Abroad Germany

Quaide Williams, Chair of Democrats Abroad Germany Cologne-Bonn Chapter, DA Germany DPCA Voting Representative, and Global LGBTQ Caucus Chair

The first time I worked closely with Courtney was when she and I took the train to Aachen together to prepare for the 2020 Global Presidential Primary. Some of our new volunteers need to have their hands held through every step of a project, but not Courtney – I was impressed by her knowledge of DA and by her understanding of what we were doing there and how to get it done.

DA needs more young leaders, and Courtney isn’t just young. She’s been a Young Dem activist – on the local, national and global levels. She was DAG Youth Caucus Leader and a DA Global Youth Caucus Founding Member and Co-Chair. Courtney has also been involved and led efforts in Events and Fundraising, phonebanking activities, DAG’s academic outreach work, and she has already served one term as a DPCA Voting Representative.

Most recently, I appointed Courtney to be Cologne-Bonn Chapter’s Events Coordinator. She wasn’t just good at putting together stellar events, she made sure to focus on building community, something our chapter and many other chapters need a lot more of.

As Global Chair of the LGBTQ Caucus, I am also happy to endorse Courtney as a member of the LGBTQ community. While we don’t have any diversity goals in the election of our DAG delegation, I do think an important factor to consider when voting to fill these positions.

For her collaborative nature, for her passionate activism, for the breadth and depth of her experience, there are many reasons to support Courtney for DPCA Voting Rep. I hope you’ll join me in supporting and voting for Courtney!

Kelly M. Paschal (female)

Hi, I am Kelly M. Paschal, I am a freelancing translator, interpreter and language teacher and I vote in Rockland, Massachusetts. I have been living in Germany for some 40 years and joined the Democrats Abroad in 2019 to find like-minded people and get involved rather than feeling helpless given the political situation in the USA. Since that day, I have met great people, passionate leaders, friends among the active members of the Democrats Abroad, and have felt honored to be working towards making a difference alongside people who really care. I

  • participated in establishing the North and Central Bavaria chapter,
  • have organized events in Wuerzburg such as an online wine tasting during the pandemic,
  • arranged permits for VFA and DA tables respectively at events such as the local Queer Pride and Stadtfest events
  • have staffed tables locally and in other cities
  • have informed expats about their right to vote and assisted them when they needed support.

Being an active member of the Democrats Abroad has given me strength and motivation to keep committing to and fighting for democratic values such as equality, diversity, inclusion, fairness, freedom, voting rights, education, accountability, health care - in short, a better place with a stronger and more just future for every American in the USA and wherever expats may live.
Now more than ever it is important to focus on communication and a positive outcome in a strong, dedicated team. - And that is why I would be honored to be a 2025 DPCA voting representative.

Letters of Endorsement

Sarah Mulloy, Chair of Democrats Abroad Germany North & Central Bavaria, Former EMEA GOTV Coordinator

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Kelly Paschal for much of my time in Democrats Abroad Germany leadership and think she would be an excellent DPCA Voting Representative. She’s an effective ambassador in the Würzburg area for the North & Central Bavaria Chapter, helping us to establish a presence in a large and diffuse territory. As NCB event coordinator during COVID, she spearheaded an online wine-tasting fundraiser event that was innovative, popular and fun, at a time when fun was hard to find. She approached researching the project with a level of seriousness and detail that I would come to value in the following years.

I feel that that seriousness and attention to detail would be a major asset as a DPCA Voting Representative. Kelly is a fighter who doesn’t do things halfway; she is guided by a sense of ethics from which I take a great deal of inspiration. She’s a credit to DA Germany and the DPCA as a body would benefit from her inclusion and her passion for strengthening and improving the Democratic Party as a whole. I urge you to elect her to DPCA Voting Representative; she will do DA Germany’s members proud.

Kelsey Potts (female)

My name is Kelsey Potts, and I am a proud mom to two young boys, with a deep passion for U.S. politics that has shaped much of my life. With a Bachelor’s in Political Science, I have spent years studying the intricacies of American policy and governance, always driven by a commitment to creating a brighter future for the next generation.

As someone who cares deeply about the direction of our country, I have a vested interest in the decisions that shape America’s future. My children’s future and the country we plan to return to someday are why I’m running for this position. I want to ensure that our political landscape remains one that upholds justice, equity, and progress, both domestically and globally.

I believe that our voices, especially as Democrats abroad, are crucial in shaping U.S. policies that impact not only those living stateside but those of us around the world. If elected, I will work tirelessly to advocate for policies that prioritize the health of our planet, access to education, affordable healthcare, and the preservation of democratic values.

I am ready to bring my passion, experience, and dedication to the table, representing our community with integrity and purpose. Together, we can work toward a future that reflects our collective hopes and values.

Thank you for your consideration!

Issy Saatchi (male)

Ralph Souto Carneiro Born (male)

Kathleen Mareta Tafel (female)

Letters of Endorsement

Self-Endorsement

My name is Kathy Tafel. I’ve lived in Kreuzberg Berlin for the last 7 years, since Trump told people to go back where they came from. My great grandparents emigrated from Baden Wurtemberg in the 1800s to Pennsylvania. My family has been involved in politics for a while. My great-grandfather’s brother was Mayor of Cincinnati. His uncle represented Schorndorf in the first German Parliament. His first cousin was Dietrich Bonhoeffer's grandmother, who was involved in the German resistance. He stayed with my grandfather’s cousins during his studies in the US.

I’m a life-long democrat, my maternal grandmother taught me about platforms in 1980: she said she wasn’t voting for Jimmy Carter the man but for the democratic platform. Her children are all union members, either tool- and die-makers or teachers. My uncle was a union rep during the big LA unified negotiations in the 80s. I knocked on doors for John Kerry in 2004, I organized in the dogpatch precinct of SF for Obama, and saw his inauguration thanks to Nancy Pelosi. I voted for Hillary, but told my German cousins at a family reunion that summer that if Trump won I was moving to Berlin. I tabled for Warren with DABerlin in 2020, and I volunteered in the Harris discord all last fall.

I’m a technologist, I worked for Apple in Cupertino, Meetup in NYC where we made resist groups, and I’ve worked on apps for Native Instruments and Deutsche Bahn. I’m now working at a small multimedia production company working on a game for primary school kids.

I saw that the slate wasn’t full for delegates, so threw my hat in the ring because I think we all need to step up and put our names on a resounding No to what is occurring now.

Shari Temple (female)

I would be honored to serve another term as your DPCA Voting Representative (VR) representing Democrats Abroad Germany (DAG).

I have been an active member of DAG since 2005 serving in various positions – Munich Chapter Chair, DAG Secretary, DAG Vice-Chair, DAG Chair, and DAG Voting Representative, as well as many committees. At the DA International level, I have served on the Executive Committee as EMEA Regional Vice Chair (RVC) and Interim International Secretary. I have been a chair and member of many global committees over the years and currently the IT Chair and the head of the Equal Rights Amendment Task Force.

For those that know me, I hope you have seen that I am willing to spend the time and energy for the organization from grunt work to high level presentations. My ability to listen to both sides of an argument and look for win-win solutions are a valuable skill for the VR role. I am a team player willing to share knowledge and work with the rest of the Voting Representatives and our DAG Executive Committee.

The reason I am running for VR is to share my knowledge and experience within DA to help make our organization better and more effective, and most importantly help Democrats win. Based on my various roles at all levels, I understand the inter-workings of the organization and how to effect change.

I would appreciate your vote for one of the DAG DPCA Voting Representative positions.

Letters of Endorsement

Kenton Barnes, Chair of Democrats Abroad Germany and DNC Member

It is my pleasure to announce my support for Shari Temple as she seeks to be elected as one of DA Germany’s Voting Representatives. Shari has a long and productive history with Democrats Abroad. She is a former chair of the Munich Chapter, former Country Vice Chair and Country Chair, Membership and IT Coordninator, National Secretary, and was a member of the CNEC. In addition, she has held a number of positions at the global level, chief among them as a member of the Global IT team. She has also served the DNC as both a member, and as a delegate. Furthremore, she is a one of the founding members of the Women’s Caucus. As a result, the wealth of knowlege that Shari possesses about Democrats Abroad is both deep and varied. Her institutional knowedge would be invaluable as an voting representative for she understands not only the ins and outs of DA Germany, but also how things work at the regional and global levels. For the reasons mentioned above, I support Ms. Temple without reservation.

Respectfully submitted,
Kenton E. Barnes
Chair, Democrats Abroad Germany

Julia Bryan, DNC Member

Shari Temple has been a cornerstone of Democrats Abroad for years, leading the IT team with dedication and professional expertise. Her leadership has been instrumental in projects that are foundational to our organization’s success, including the inauguration of a seamless global online primary balloting system in 2024, critical updates to VoteFromAbroad.org, and the ongoing task of keeping our complex web infrastructure secure and reliable.

For an organization with members in nearly every country, our digital infrastructure is the backbone that enables us to amplify our volunteer efforts and connect with voters worldwide. Thanks to Shari’s management and problem solving skills, DA’s systems continue to meet these challenges, empowering volunteers and voters alike.

While her contributions often go unseen, their impact is profound. And while the IT team's work may seem to be knitted invisibly into the organization's structure, it takes a clear voice and vision to help ensure that this is the case. I strongly endorse Shari for DPCA member, knowing that her wisdom, experience, and practical insights will continue to strengthen our decision-making and ensure DA continues to thrive.

Malaika Kusumi, Vice Chair of the Frankfurt and Greater Hessen Region Chapter, Chair of the DA Germany Black Caucus, DA Germany DPCA Representative

There is truly no better choice for DPCA Representative than Shari Temple—a statement that may seem surprising coming from an opposing candidate, but one I wholeheartedly stand by.

Shari has been the trusted advisor and go-to resource for countless Democrats Abroad leaders, myself included. As a mentor, role model, and unwavering champion of our organization, she has consistently put DA’s best interests first, strengthening its foundation and driving its growth with vision and determination.

Her deep knowledge of DA—its history, its current challenges, and its future potential—makes her an invaluable leader. She has been a driving force behind the success of ER and DA as a whole, always pushing forward with clarity, conviction, and a passion for progress.

I am truly grateful that she is stepping up to take on even greater responsibility. DA is in excellent hands with her leadership. Bravo, Shari!

Quaide Williams (male)

For the past two years I’ve served as Chair of the Cologne-Bonn Chapter, the chapter hosting this year’s AGM. Today I serve DAG as the Co-Chair of the Bylaws Committee and as Chair of our LGBTQ Caucus. Experience is important, and I can offer you experience on the local, national and global levels of DA.

The greatest honor of my life: Last year I was elected by the global body (DPCA) to be one of DA’s delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. It truly was the greatest honor of my life. The energy and the excitement of those days remind me that better days lie ahead for our Party and our home country. I’m sure of it.

My experience in Democrats Abroad:

  • Worked for Americans Overseas for Kerry in Munich in 2004
  • Founded the Germany4Obama campaign in 2008.
  • In 2009 I was elected Munich Chapter Chair: Organized the first annual Oktoberfest FUN-draiser, and coordinated the production of our first professional DA brochure, as well as our very first postal mailing to all DAG members.
  • From 2011 to 2017, I served as DAG Chair & Vice Chair: Founded the EMEA COOP, a cooperative to provide country committees and chapters with postcards, brochures and swag.
  • I founded the Global Design Team and served as its first Chair.
  • In 2012 I helped plan – and I drove – the Democrats Abroad Road Trip “Obama Bus” (DART) around Europe.

I’ve attended Global Meetings in Florence, Seoul, Washington, Puerto Vallarta, London, Punta Cana, Berlin, Tokyo and Costa Rica and EMEA Regional Meetings in Berlin, Strasbourg, Edinburgh and Kiev. I know the DPCA, I know the issues and I have a good rapport with our DNC members and other leaders worldwide. I would be honored to serve another term as one of your DPCA Voting Representatives.

Letters of Endorsement

Shari Temple, Secretary of Democrats Abroad Germany and DPCA Voting Representative

I whole-heartedly endorse Quaide Williams as a DPCA Voting Representative (VR) representing Democrats Abroad Germany (DAG).

I have had the honor of knowing Quaide since 2004 - when we were both part of Overseas Voters for Kerry. Since then, I have worked with him at the Munich Chapter level, Germany Country Committee level, and at the DA International level.

Quaide knows the organization and has a good rapport with DA leaders around the world. He knows how to gain support for important issues.

I strongly believe that we need a mix of DA experienced leaders and new leaders as VR’s. Quaide is definitely an experienced leader that would serve us well.

I would appreciate your vote for Quaide for one of the DAG DPCA Voting Representative positions.

Angela Fobbs, Chair of the Democrats Abroad Germany Wiesbaden-Mainz Chapter

I am proud to endorse Quaide Williams for DPCA Voting Representative. With an extensive track record of leadership, dedication, and innovation within Democrats Abroad, Quaide is the experienced and committed voice we need to represent us.

Quaide’s service spans two decades, from his early work with Americans Overseas for Kerry in 2004 to founding Germany4Obama in 2008. His leadership as Chair of the Munich Chapter and later as DAG Chair and Vice Chair speaks to his ability to organize, inspire, and deliver results. From launching the annual Oktoberfest FUN-draiser to co-founding the EMEA COOP and the Global Design Team, Quaide has consistently brought new ideas and solutions to the table.

His role as a delegate to the 2024 Democratic National Convention underscores the trust the global Democrats Abroad community places in him. Having attended global and regional meetings across the world, he has built strong relationships with DA leaders and DNC members, making him a valuable representative for our interests.

Quaide’s passion, experience, and vision make him an exceptional candidate. I wholeheartedly support his candidacy and encourage you to do the same.

Christian J. Gross, Chair of the Democrats Abroad Germany Goettingen-Hannover Region Chapter, DA Germany DPCA Representative

I feel honored that Quaide has asked me to endorse him. I first met Quaide in 2016 when he was DAG chair at a chapter meeting in Goettingen. My first impression was that Quaide knew what he was talking about when it came to the business of being a country chair and of DA as a political organization. That respect has only grown over the years, since I became more active in Democrats Abroad, especially during the time Quaide planned the DA Road Trip with an “Obama Bus”, and in 2024, when I joined the Bylaws committee and had a chance to work with Quaide. His knowledge of the Bylaws is impressive. In all the AGM meetings I have attended (quite a few), I have always been aware of what a driving force Quaide is, his passion for the democratic process, his teamwork, and the creative ideas he presents in discussions of DAG business and the solutions we can use to do the work, which is necessary for our efforts to help Americans Abroad. Quaide is also an outgoing, friendly person, who can create networks with people at all different levels in Democrats Abroad, both locally at the chapter-, country-, and at the global-level. That is why I believe the right choice was electing him to be a delegate at the 2024 Democratic National Convention. If you have the chance to meet Quaide at a chapter meeting, at an AGM meeting, or a regional or global meeting (more than a few) you will find a person dedicated to Democrats Abroad, our Democracy, and a passionate person whole-heartedly devoted to making a difference. Giving Quaide your support will only strengthen DA with his vision, passion and experience.

Will Jamison Wright (male)

I am an Ohioan abroad in the Ruhrpott, a post-doctoral researcher on humanitarian action and international law at the Ruhr-university Bochum, a life-long democrat, and a member of democrats abroad for several years. The last election and its impacts on humanitarian assistance, as well as the birth of my first daughter in 2023, have motivated me to get more involved not only in voting but also in doing my part to strengthen the Democratic Party and supporting democrats abroad more actively.

Darrell Wyatt (male)

My emphasis is always on practical ideas and improvements to our Get Out the Vote efforts and how we can offer more of our members varied, flexible opportunities to get involved. I would also like to see further improvements to our Social Media presence, particularly on Instagram.

Letters of Endorsement

Quaide Williams, Chair of Democrats Abroad Germany Cologne-Bonn Chapter, DA Germany DPCA Voting Representative, and Global LGBTQ Caucus Chair

I’ve known Darrell for several years, and over the past couple of years I have worked closely with as a fellow member of the Cologne-Bonn Chapter Board. Darrell’s passion is local organizing, and in his position as Cologne-Bonn GOTV Coordinator that passion was evident. He worked tirelessly to arrange meet-ups in and around the Cologne area, and he personally organized dozens of info stands in the city center. Darrell and I even did one info stand together in Aachen, in an attempt to get a Precinct going there.

Darrell has helped organize our biggest event in Cologne, or Cologne Pride info stand and our participation in the Cologne Pride Parade. As Chair of the Global LGBTQ Caucus, it is very important to me to have such passionate straight allies.

Darrell has been very active on the local level for many years, and I am excited that he is interested in getting more involved on the national and global levels. He will make a great addition to our German delegation, and I hope you will join me in supporting Darrell for DPCA Voting Rep.

Courtney Newman, Events Coordinator for the Cologne-Bonn Region Chapter

I proudly endorse Darrell for DPCA Voting Representative! Darrell became an active volunteer in the Cologne-Bonn chapter a few years ago and has served as our chapter’s GOTV Coordinator the past two years. And let me tell you, no one is more passionate and determined than Darrell. He has been critical in supporting our chapter’s growth by engaging and activating new volunteers any and everywhere. He initiated and organized numerous successful GOTV events in Cologne, Bonn, Leverkusen, and Aachen. He also participates in DAG’s phonebanking efforts and supports new phonebankers.

Darrell is a shining example of what it means to be a DPCA Voting Rep. He is passionate and determined, working diligently to see positive change. He thinks creatively, constantly finding new ways to get-out-the-vote and inspire new volunteers along the way. He organizes initiatives effectively, efficiently, and with purpose. He cares to listen and respond to each member’s concerns.

As DPCA Voting Rep, Darrel will be active, responsive, engaged, and spirited. He will represent DAG and our members with enthusiasm and care. I hope you’ll support me in voting for Darrell for DPCA Voting Rep!

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