About Us
The Manatee County Democratic Party works to get Democrats elected and promote Democratic values.
We actively support diversity and inclusion. We are a party that fights hard for students, seniors, health care, the environment, civil rights, labor and main street businesses.
We are a 100% volunteer organization. Become engaged and get involved. See what you can do to help build Manatee better.
Make a difference.
Our Values
Equality - Justice - Fairness
Good paying jobs....Quality public education....Protecting our environment.... Clean energy....Common sense gun reform....Reproductive rights....Affordable health care....Guaranteeing rights for all Americans....Protecting Social Security and Medicare.....Voter protection....Sensible immigration reform....Supporting military veterans and families
How We Are Organized
We are a local extension of the Florida Democratic Party and the Democratic National Committee.
The Democratic Executive Committee (DEC) is the business side of the Party. Ideally, it is comprised of at least one Committeeman and one Committeewoman from each precinct. DEC members can serve as Precinct Captains who do voter outreach or they can serve in another volunteer capacity. You don't have to be a DEC member to volunteer and be actively involved in the Party. We welcome all Democrats who want to get involved or lend a hand.
Our Elected Team
Chris Wetherington, Chair
Rob Usher, Acting `Vice Chair
Bev Pannee, Secretary
Tina Shope, Treasurer
Florence Shelton-Clark, State Committeewoman
Rev. James Golden, State Committeeman
Committees and Team Leaders
Candidate Support, Karen Curlin
Communications, Wil Clapper
Data Team, George Rahal
Office Operations, Edie Williams
Volunteer Coordination, Ken Handelman
Voter Protection, Lew Wasserman and Phyllis Myers
Fundraising and Special Projects, Robin Sathan
Canvassing Coordinator, Brett Thomas
Phone Bank Team, Laurie Cusick
District 1 Precinct Coordinator, Randi Sathan
District 2 Precinct Coordinators, Deb Pierce and Bob Fine
District 3 Precinct Coordinators, Tim and Kate Eiseler
District 4 Precinct Coordinator, Gretchen Friend-Jones
District 5 Precinct Coordinators, Rob and Lisa Usher