A Word from Your Chair David Dean

David Dean, Chair, Sarasota County Democratic Party

The Democratic Party undergoes reorganization every two years, and 2026 has marked a particularly transformative period. New leadership has stepped in, including a new Chair and Secretary, Barbara Fittipaldi, who also leads Precinct Organization. Additionally, the State Committee has expanded its membership to include eight representatives, bringing more voices and diversity to the Executive Committee.

One of the most notable changes has been the revitalization of precinct-level engagement. Due to significant turnover, Barbara and her team have worked diligently to recruit new Precinct Captains, bringing the total to over 100. Several committees have also been reactivated or launched—including Fundraising, Voter Registration, Phone Banking, and Communications. The Communications team is responsible for this very newsletter and will continue sharing updates and initiatives throughout the year.

Financially, the party is back on strong footing thanks to Treasurer JoAnne DeVries and the Fundraising Committee, led by Erika Ivanyi. Successful events like the Kennedy King Dinner and the reactivation of the Sarasota Society of Democrats have generated important support. With the party's accounts in order, efforts are now underway to support key 2025 campaigns through mailers and phone banking. Looking ahead, candidate recruitment for 2026 is already in motion, with anticipated races at the local, state, and federal levels. More details and events will be announced in the coming months, and anyone interested in running—or just learning more—is encouraged to reach out.