The 2023 Guilford County Democratic Party Convention will be held on Saturday, April 15th.

Room opens at 9:30 am
Convention begins at 10:00 am

It will be a virtual meeting via Zoom and also livestreamed on the GCDP Facebook page.

The registration links was emailed to delegates earlier this week. If you did not receive the link, please check your spam folder or email gcdpchair@guilforddems.org.

Our agenda includes the election of:

GCDP Officers to serve for the 2023-2025 term,
Guilford County’s State Executive Committee (SEC) members for the 2023-2025 term, and
Delegates to the District 6 Convention.

The GCDP Officer positions up for election are:

Chair,
1st Vice Chair,
2nd Vice Chair,
3rd Vice Chair,
Secretary,
Greensboro Vice Chair,
High Point Vice Chair, and
Rural Vice Chair.

The term of each position is two years. To learn more about what each position
entails, please go to our Roles and Responsibilities web page.

If you are interested in running for one of the GCDP Officer positions, or for a spot on the SEC, please email notice of your intention to gcdpchair@guilforddems.org along with a 100-word introduction. Blurbs that are longer than 100 words will be returned to be edited. Nominations also will be taken from the floor during the Convention.

To vote at the County Convention, you must have been elected as a delegate at your precinct’s 2023 precinct organization meeting. To run for any position with the Guilford County Democratic Party, you must be a registered Democrat in Guilford County. For more information, please email gcdpchair@guilforddems.org.

If you have any questions, please contact the County Chair. Thank you.

If you would like to PDF documents of the declared candidates, please click on each link, below:

DECLARED CANDIDATES FOR THE
GUILFORD COUNTY DEMOCRATIC COUNTY BOARD

CHAIR
Kathy Kirkpatrick

Kathy Kirkpatrick here, running again for GCDP Chair. Over the past 2 years, GCDP has developed and implemented a strategic plan, run 3 fund-raising campaigns and a successful Unity Dinner. We had a strong showing in the 2022 election and are already working toward the 2023 and 2024 elections. Toward this end, we have 4 new teams up and running: Service to Others, Messaging, Voter Registration and Protection, and Candidate Recruitment and Training. I thank you for allowing me to serve as Chair for the past two years, and I would be honored to serve GCDP again.

FIRST VICE CHAIR
Justin Cundall

Justin is a committed local Democrat who has engaged with the party since the 2016 election. Dedicated to getting Democrats elected at every level, he worked as the only coordinated campaign staff in Guilford County during the 2022 midterms and spent hours knocking doors in 2018 and 2020. Graduate of the DCCC’s Organizing Crops and National Democratic Training Committee Staff Academy, Justin knows how to build a grassroots volunteer movement. He is currently the president of the Guilford County Young Democrats, a board member of the NC College Democrats, chair of the precinct MON3, and soon-to-be graduate from UNCG.

SECOND VICE CHAIR
Cheryl Sims

Cheryl A. Sims a native of Washington, D.C. relocated to Greensboro, NC in 2018. Graduated from the University of Central Florida, Bachelor’s in political science, 1997 and a Master of Public Administration from Illinois Institute of Technology, 2010. Ms. Sims worked 10 years with the Florida Legislature as a Chief Legislative Aid in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Government Affairs with the Greater Orlando Association of Realtors, the Campaign Finance Institute, DC and the Shedd Aquarium, Chicago. She is eager to put her knowledge, ideas, skills, and abilities to use with the Guilford County Democratic Party.

THIRD VICE CHAIR
Shelly Headen

I am Shelly Headen, a resident of Oak Ridge precinct 1 for over 20 years and recently the Secretary/Treasurer for the precinct. I am a CPA in North Carolina and the mother of three daughters aged 24, 21, and 18. I am employed with Clifton Larson Allen, a top US accounting firm, as recruiter for their West region as well as a new owner of franchise, Prolift, a garage door installation and repair company for which I serve in accounting and marketing. My role as a recruiter has given me technology skills in social media, Canva, and many other software.

Kevin Kazaks

My name is Kevin Kazaks. I am a public-school educator, Marine Corps Officer, husband and most importantly, father to my young sons, Jack and Ben. Throughout my life I have been drawn to service, and I believe that service is what our party represents; the desire to uplift others, improve our institutions, and continue to strive towards a more perfect union. As 3rd Vice Chair of the County Party, I will use my position to reach a broader coalition of voters, engage new voters, and ensure that our messaging is clear, concise, accessible, understandable, and unified.

GREENSBORO VICE CHAIR

Franca Jalloh

Franca R. Jalloh, 40 under 40 Most Influential Leader — Non-Profit Founder, Executive Director, Community Advocate & Immigration Legal Service Rep. Franca Jalloh is a mother of 3 beautiful daughters, a non-profit business executive, community leader, educator, advocate and a respected member of our community. Franca was a candidate for Greensboro City Council At-Large, the first Muslim woman & first-generation immigrant from Africa to ever do so in Greensboro, North Carolina earning over 6,500 votes as a first-time candidate. She was honored as a 40 Under 40 Most Influential African American in the North Carolina Triad area in 2020.

HIGH POINT VICE CHAIR

RURAL VICE CHAIR

Binaya Aryal

I have been Rural Vice Chair, Precinct Chair, SDRI , SEC Member. Recently, we’ve seen a significant influx of immigrant population in NC. Guilford County and these immigrants have played a pivotal role in positioning our Party strongly in this recent election. I persuaded them to join our party. The last two years we were unable to meet people in person due to Covid now I am planning to reach out to them in person to make GCDP great. I have enthusiasm, time and energy to work for the party. I’m expecting active support from all of you.

SECRETARY

Jess Eckler

Jess Eckler is equal parts self-proclaimed nerd and jack of all trades. During her time as secretary of the LGBTQ+ Dems of Guilford County and North Carolina caucuses, she has created social media pages while assisting with maintaining the current page and sharing pertinent information with the members. She has also developed standard templates for agendas and meeting minutes and instituted a method for timely meeting notifications. In her free time, she is an avid gamer and enjoys spending time with her closest friends, her wife, and their brood of two dogs and four cats.

2023 CANDIDATES FOR N.C. DEMOCRATIC PARTY
STATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Below is a list of candidates who have expressed their intention to run for a position on the State Executive Committee (SEC). Names are listed in the order in which they were received. Bios and photos were submitted by the candidates. We will be electing 29 people to the SEC.

WOMEN

B.J. Gerald Covington

Betsy Fox

Betsy Fox is the former GCDP Chair. She also served as 1st Vice Chair, 2nd VC, Greensboro VC, Treasurer, and Unity Chair. Betsy was 2011 Democrat of the Year, received the 2008 Chair’s Award and was a delegate to the 2008 National Convention Betsy Fox has worked on statewide and local candidate campaigns. She has made contributions, raised money, put up signs, made phone calls, worked at the polls, poll watched, you name it for the GCDP. Betsy taught for 23 years, including at Greensboro College and GTCC. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother. Re-elect Betsy Fox, SEC.

Jennifer Reall

My name is Jennifer Reall and I’m running for re-election to the SEC. During my term I have attended 100% of SEC meetings (virtual and in-person). I also attend every optional listening session that my work schedule allows. I take this job seriously and I put in the work. Current/Past Positions: SEC; G17 Precinct Chair/Vice-Chair; Indivisible Guilford Leadership Team (Postcard Group Lead); Swing Left Guilford Leadership Team; Poll Greeter; Poll Observer; Member: LGBTQ+ Dems, Progressive Dems, Dem Women. I hope you will vote for me for another term on the SEC. Thank you!

Jeanne Tannenbaum

Jeanne Tannenbaum is a Greensboro native and UNCG alumna with a graduate degree in Hospital Administration from Duke University. While working in Greenville, SC, she was an Urban League officer and delegate to their national convention. Since moving back to Greensboro, Jeanne has been Chair of the Greensboro College Board of Visitors and served on the Bennett College Board of Trustees. She has held roles on numerous UNCG boards including the School of Nursing Advisory Board and Friends of the Library Board. Jeanne has contributed to many Democratic candidates and the Democratic Party and has been an officer in Precinct G22.

Margaret Bourdeaux Arbuckle

Margaret Bourdeaux Arbuckle seeks re-election to the NC Democratic State Executive Committee. I have been active in local, state, and national Democratic politics for many years as a donor, an activist and former elected official (County Commissioner). Presently I serve as Chair. of my precinct G18, and on our County Executive Committee. We need energy and commitment to win in 2024 and as in the past, I will devote time and money to our fielding capable candidates and to their winning. Thank you for voting for me.

Pam Stubbs

Present and past Executive Committee (SEC) member

Past 1st Vice Present of GCDP
A Past Precinct Vice Chair
A past 3rd VP of the Guilford County Democratic Women
A past Chair of the DWGC President’s Annual Silent Auction
Past member of the Annual Unity Dinner Committee
Past Guilford Democratic Women STAR
GCDP Century Club member

Deborah Ford

Nagla Elruffai

My name is Nagla Elruffai, and I’m running for re-election to the SEC. I have had the honor of serving and attending all SEC meetings for the past two years, and I plan to continue serving on this committee for the upcoming term. I am currently the Vice-Chair of the G36 Precinct and have been involved with the Democratic Party for many years as a member and avid supporter of the cause. I plan to create a better North Carolina and fix the complex issues prevalent in today’s political world. Let’s make our world a better place. Vote Nagla Elruffai!

Jane Kraemer

Good morning, Guilford County Democrats. My name is Jane Kraemer. I am a proud Democrat from High Point. I am currently an SEC representative. I am the Chair of Precinct H02. I am also an active member of Indivisible. I have spent much of my free time working to get Democratic candidates on the ballot and elected here and around the country. I write to newspapers, elected officials, and voters. I have knocked on many doors and telephoned many voters, elected officials and news media people in pursuit of getting democrats elected and promoting our platform. Please vote for me.

MEN

Richard Fox

Dr. Richard Fox practiced medicine for 39 years, 30 with Carolina Kidney Associates. Before coming to Greensboro, he was in the U.S. Army Medical Corps. Richard Fox was G33 Precinct Chair for three terms and held other precinct offices before that. Dr. Fox has worked on candidate campaigns at the state and local level. He has been a contributor to campaigns and the Democratic Party. He raised a large sum for the GCDP for the 2020 election. Richard has put up signs, worked at the polls, and been an all-round gopher for the GCDP. Vote for Richard Fox.

Elijah Mears

I have served honorably on the SEC for two terms and am excited to seek a third as our party builds toward the crucial 2024 election. I have previously served as Third Vice Chair of the county party from 2019-2021 and currently serve as Vice President of the Guilford County Young Democrats. During my time on the SEC, I have cultivated strong relationships across county lines and worked closely with the new members of our state board, and I look forward to leveraging these relationships to be an effective advocate for Guilford County during the next two years.

Brandon Gray

Candidate for Guilford County Commissioner District 6, 2022 Democratic Nominee for NC House District 62, Community Activist, Former GCDP First Vice Chair, wanting to continue representing Guilford County on the SEC.

Binaya Aryal

I have been Rural Vice Chair, Precinct Chair, SDRI , SEC Member. Recently, we’ve seen a significant influx of immigrant population in NC. Guilford County and these immigrants have played a pivotal role in positioning our Party strongly in this recent election. I persuaded them to join our party. Since last two year we are unable to meet people in person due to Covid now I am planning to reach out to them in person to make GCDP great. I have enthusiasm, time and energy to work for the party. I’m expecting active support from all of you.

Joshua “Fox” Brown

My name is Joshua “Fox” Brown and currently I serve as the Precinct Chair for H12, Treasurer for the LGBTQ+ Democrats of Guilford County, represent the NCDP Labor Caucus on our Congressional District Executive Committee, and serve on our NCDP Council of Review, while attending college full-time and caring for several family members. I’ve attended and participated in every SEC meeting during my current term on the SEC, and I pledge to continue doing the same if reelected. Please vote to re-elect me as part of Guilford County’s SEC delegation for another term!

Edward Bruce Keohohou

Aloha`e kakou, e`honua pono (With much love and peace to all, in righteousness)! I’m Edward Bruce Kalaniokaapuokamehameha Keohohou. Seeking to serve Guilford Dems as a delegate to the State Democratic Party Executive Committee. We have a lot to do in preserving the democracy of our voting rights. Our civil liberties are being taken away by scrupulous and vindictive legislation, that is aimed to obstruct, and provoke civil discourse, by racial bigotry and misogyny. This isn’t the America we need! This isn’t the America we want to pass onto generations to come. I humbly ask for your vote. Aloha `e pumehana (With warm regards)

Michael Holbrook

Registered Nurse, Proud Democrat, and Volunteer Activist for Democrats up and down the ballot. Fighting for a better Guilford Co. and a better North Carolina. Wanting to serve Guilford County on the SEC.

Robert Guttentag

I am a recently retired professor, having served for over 30 years in the Department of Psychology at UNC Greensboro. I’m married, with three children and four grandchildren and a lifelong Democrat. My service to the democratic party includes two terms as vice chair of precinct G32. Now that I’m retired, it is my goal to become more active in the North Carolina Democratic Party.

Fred Guttman

Rabbi Emeritus of Temple Emanuel organized Interfaith Clergy Trips to Israel and the National Jewish commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday March in Selma Alabama and was a frequent speaker at the Moral Monday demonstrations. He is a passionate advocate of LGBTQ rights and a woman’s right to abortion. Sharon Hoard Lifetime of Service Award, the Volunteer Center of the Triad; Brotherhood/Sisterhood Citation Award from NCCJ; Champion for Children Award from the North Carolina Foundation for Public School Children; Lifetime Community Service Award from the International Civil Rights Center and Museum.

Fred Guttman for SEC.

Reading Materials

Resolutions Presented from Precincts in Guilford County for Consideration at the Guilford County Democratic Party County Convention April 15, 2023

Resolutions are organized into 4 groups.
- Group A: There are 10 resolutions identified by the Committee as reflecting
and/or affirming resolutions that are incorporated into the current NCDP Platform.
- Group B: There are 9 resolutions that the Committee recommends be adopted.
- Group C: There are 4 resolutions about which the Committee thought delegates
may wish to discuss.
- Group D: There are no resolutions that the Committee recommends be sent back
to the precinct for clarification or redrafting.

Read the Resolutions

Convention Agenda

Agenda

Convention Rules

As specified in section 5.03 of The North Carolina Democratic Party Plan of Organization (“the PoO”), the
county executive committee has the power to make rules and regulations for the conduct of the county
convention that are not inconsistent with the PoO. The same section of the PoO states that a quorum exists at
any time at which there is present on the floor at least one official delegate from fifty percent (50%) plus one (1
of the precincts with duly elected delegates to the convention. Quorum will be determined through electronic
registration as the delegates enter the meeting. The link to the registration form will be posted in Zoom Chat.

Convention Rules