Concerns Raised by DNC Members over Changes in Alabama Democratic Party

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On Friday, members of the Democratic National Committee expressed their alarm regarding the recent alterations made to the Alabama Democratic Party, which included the elimination of several caucuses aimed at ensuring diverse voices within the party.

These comments were made during a meeting of the Democratic National Convention’s Rules and Bylaws Committee, amidst an ongoing dispute over state party leadership and the potential intervention of national officials, similar to what occurred four years ago.

In 2019, the Democratic National Committee instructed the Alabama Democratic Party to revise its bylaws to provide better representation for minorities beyond just African Americans in party affairs. Consequently, minority caucuses were established to guarantee the inclusion of young voters, members of the LGBTQ community, and other underrepresented groups. However, in May, the state party dissolved some of these caucuses, arguing that they were unnecessary.

Minyon Moore, co-chair of the DNC’s Rules and Bylaws Committee, expressed equal concern about the bylaws and operational allegations that seemingly hinder the full participation of members, if proven true.

Yvette Lewis, a member of the Democratic National Convention’s Rules and Bylaws Committee who had advocated for the changes in 2019, conveyed her deep disappointment with the recent developments in Alabama, stating that it feels as if their efforts had been in vain.

Lewis emphasized the importance of diversity and expanding the party, asserting that there is an opportunity for Democrats in Alabama following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that mandated the creation of new congressional districts and a district where Black voters constitute a significant portion of the electorate.

“We can challenge the status quo in the South… There are people in that region who share our values and desperately want to be part of the Democratic Party. We owe it to them,” Lewis stated.

Randy Kelley, the chair of the Alabama Democratic Party, defended the new bylaws, claiming that they did not diminish representation. He argued that youth and LGBTQ voters in the state were proportionately represented.

Kelley also stated that if the DNC intends to intervene in Alabama, they are prepared to present their case in hearings.

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More about Alabama Democratic Party changes

• Alabama Democratic Party
• Democratic National Committee
• DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee
• U.S. Supreme Court