The nominations and call for candidates period for the 2025 DA France LGBTQ+ Caucus Elections has now closed. Please find below statements for the candidates standing for election. 

All members of the DA France LGBTQ+ Caucus will receive a ballot by email on March 1. Online voting will end on March 15 at midnight.

New members are welcome to join and vote — please do so by March 10. You must be a U.S. citizen living overseas and at least 18 years old at the time of the next federal election to join Democrats Abroad, and be living in France to vote in this election (join here: https://www.democratsabroad.org/join), and also be a LGBTQ+ member of the Global LGBTQ+ Caucus (join here: https://www.democratsabroad.org/lgbtq). 

Questions? Contact the LGBTQ+ Caucus Election Board at [email protected].

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The following positions were advertised: two Co-Chairs. 

Candidate Statements

Candidate(s) for Co- Chair

John Velez 

Fellow Americans abroad,

Having interned for the national communications team for Democrats Abroad France during the 2024 presidential election, I have firsthand experience with the positive impact D.A. France provides to Americans abroad. Though the election results were not what we fought for, I am not defeated by the 2024 presidential election. Being a part of D.A. France’s communications team during the election provided me a reflexive space in which I realised that I, like former Vice-President Kamala Harris described herself in her Closing Argument speech, “have lived the promise of America”. Growing up gay and using a wheelchair in Dallas, Texas, I was born with all the odds in the world stacked against me; however, I not only overcame those odds, but have made a place in society where I serve as a symbol of what Americans can achieve.

The aftermath of the 2024 presidential election consolidated my commitment to being a part of the Democratic Party’s mission in working towards providing a more egalitarian and inclusive future for all Americans. Many individuals who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community are intersectional; and as the Chair of the LGBTQ+ Caucus of D.A. France, I pledge to work with other caucuses to plan events that amplify the voices of intersectional, marginalised Americans abroad. With the continuous attacks on the LGBTQ+ community by the Trump administration, I understand the daily fear queer individuals live with; however, as the Chair of the LGBTQ+ caucus, I pledge that I will create an environment in which queer Americans in France can utilise that fear to create political action that further protects our rights as queer Americans to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

All my bests,

John Vélez

 

Eugenia Trujillo

I am writing to express my interest in the Co Chair position at Democrats Abroad France LGBTQ+ Caucus. As a dedicated student currently pursuing my degree at The American University of Paris, I am eager to contribute my skills in event coordination and communications to support your mission of providing Americans in France a voice in U.S. politics.

The opportunity to work closely with you particularly excites me as this position combines my passion for communication with my interest in politics. With my experience in content creation and messaging strategy, I feel this position will further my understanding of communication strategy. Working with the Queer Alliance at my university, I have learned to craft promotional content that appeals to members and put together meaningful events that bring attention to our cause. My academic background has equipped me with strong analytical skills which I am confident will aid me in providing effective messaging, drafting documents, and assisting in events.

I am drawn to Democrats Abroad because of its dedication to expanding voting rights and its commitment to the democratic process, a mission that aligns with my own values. I am excited about the prospect of honing in on my skills to drive DA’s mission.

Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my resume for review and would welcome the opportunity to further discuss how my skills align with this position. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your team.