Arlington Democrats Elect New Leadership at 2026 Biennial Reorganization

Contact:

Owen Williams, Press & Public Relations Chair

pr@arlingtondemocrats.org

Arlington Democrats Elect New Leadership at 2026 Biennial Reorganization

ARLINGTON, Va., Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 — Over 300 Arlington Democrats gathered Wednesday evening at Washington-Liberty High School for the Arlington County Democratic Committee’s (“Arlington Democrats”) biennial reorganization, electing party leadership and precinct captains.

At the meeting, local Democratic committee members elected 14 officers and nearly 100 precinct captains to serve two-year terms, in accordance with the Democratic Party of Virginia’s Party Plan and the bylaws of the Arlington Democrats.

Elected Officers (2026–2028)

• Chair: Paul Ruiz

• Deputy Chair: Sarah Flourance

• Precinct Operations Chair: Rachel Halpern

• Voter Support Chair: Michelle Kilkenny

• Finance Chair: Austin Locke

• Treasurer: Inta Malis

• Communications Director: Daniel Visnovsky

• Press & Public Relations Chair: Owen Williams

• Parliamentarian: Bryant Atkins

• Sergeant-at-Arms: Carol Burnett

• Outreach & Visibility Chair: Bryan Coleman

• Inclusion & Equity Chair: Fatima Argun

• Volunteer Coordinator: Nancy Pilchen

• Secretary: Bokar Cherif

“Tonight’s meeting demonstrated the unity and dedication of the Arlington Democrats, with hundreds of community members casting their ballots in a leadership election,” incoming Arlington Democrats Chair Paul Ruiz said. “I am profoundly honored to serve as Chair and look forward to our united effort to turn out every Democratic vote in Arlington this year.”

Prior to his election as Chair, Ruiz served at every level of the Arlington Democrats, including as a volunteer, precinct captain, Communications Chair, and Deputy Chair. In these roles, he helped lead multiple Joint Campaigns, strengthen the committee’s communications and organizing infrastructure, and support year-round voter engagement across Arlington. 

“We've assembled an incredible team, and we're ready to fight. The stakes for our communities have never been higher. We’re going to reach every voter, mobilize every volunteer, and show up in every precinct. These priorities are our north star and how Arlington Democrats will continue delivering victories for the people who count on us” said incoming Deputy Chair Sarah Flourance.

The newly elected leadership team will guide Arlington Democrats through a critical period, focusing on mobilizing voters for the 2026 midterms, preparing for the 2027 Virginia legislative elections, and educating voters on the upcoming Virginia redistricting referendum that will shape congressional maps for the next decade.

“It has been an honor to serve as Chair these last four years, working to elect Democrats while building and strengthening relationships across our community,” outgoing chair Steve Baker said. “I am grateful to this committee for the opportunity to serve and I’m excited for the new leadership team and all our committee will do to write the next great chapter for Arlington Democrats.”

The Arlington Democrats’ 2026–2028 biennial reorganization meeting was held Wednesday evening at Washington-Liberty High School following an extraordinary level of interest and registration that required relocation from Dr. Charles R. Drew Elementary School.

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