From left, Cal Carlson (Monongalia County), National Committee Member; Olivia Dowler (Hancock County), President; Jarryd Powell (Marion County), Vice President; Timothy Bellman (Monongalia County), Treasurer; Reese Lovern (Kanawha County), National Committee Member; and (not pictured) Sophie Toma (Ohio County), Secretary.

BEVERLY — For the first time since 2021, the West Virginia Young Democrats are rechartered and reorganized. On Nov. 9, more than 20 young Democrats from across the state gathered at Camp Pioneer in Beverly to elect officers, pass the charter and bylaws, and adopt a platform.

“Since rechartering with YDA in July, we’ve been focused on laying the groundwork for WVYD and strengthening our chapters leading up to this convention. Now that we’ve created a strong foundation and elected our officers, I’m excited to see the difference this will make across the state,” said Olivia Dowler, President.

“By promoting Democratic values, supporting our candidates, and encouraging civic engagement, I truly believe young people can shape a brighter future for West Virginia. Come 2026 elections, I think that impact will be impossible to miss.”

The morning began with a welcome from Randolph County Democratic Party (RCDP) Chair Cindy Stemple (Elkins District), followed by speakers throughout the day. Mandy Weirich (Cheat District), Committee Secretary, talked at length with the Young Dems about the importance of their involvement and service in the state.

“West Virginia is the #4 destination state for climate change migration, but before we can invite people to live here, we must invest in our infrastructure,” Weirich said. “People want to live in places with clean water, robust public education systems, and workforce housing. We need young people involved in candidate campaigns, running for office, and speaking up about what they envision for the future of the Mountain State.”

Mandy Weirich (Cheat District), Committee Secretary of the Randolph County Democratic Party

Delegate John Williams (D-Monogahalia, Dist. 80) stated, “The Young Dems President Olivia Dowler mentioned that I have been the youngest Democratic member of the legislature for 9 years. That shouldn’t be the case! We need more Young Dems in the House and the Senate.”

Other speakers throughout the day of civic service included, WVDP Chair/Del. Mike Pushkin, RCDP Committee member Nick Lennox (Elkins District), Virginia Young Democrats President Malena Llanos, and Young Democrats of America Eastern Region VP Isaac Kaufer.

The following individuals were elected to serve as the officers for the 2025-27 term”

President: Olivia Dowler (Hancock County)

Vice President: Jarryd Powell (Marion County)

Cindy Stemple (Elkins District), Chair of the Randolph County Democratic Party

Secretary: Sophie Toma (Ohio County)

Treasurer: Timothy Bellman (Monongalia County)

National Committee Members: Reese Lovern (Kanawha County) and Cal Carlson: (Monongalia County)

Democrats between the ages of 14 and 35 are welcome to join the West Virginia Young Democrats.

For information on how to join, please visit https://linktr.ee/wvyoungdemocrats or email wva.youngdems@gmail.com. You can follow the WV Young Dems on Facebook, Instagram and Substack.

State Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin.