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About the Hamilton County Democratic Party | HCDP
Who we are
Our Leadership Committee is elected by members of the Central Committee and is responsible for guiding the strategic direction of the Party. The team includes a Chair, First Executive Vice Chair, four Vice Chairs, a Secretary, and a Treasurer.
Each Vice Chair leads a key committee, appointed by the Chair, and the full Leadership Committee meets monthly to coordinate efforts, make decisions, and ensure alignment across the organization.
Who we are
A Party Committed to Justice and Progress.
Our Leadership Committee is elected by members of the Central Committee and is responsible for guiding the strategic direction of the Party. The team includes a Chair, First Executive Vice Chair, four Vice Chairs, a Secretary, and a Treasurer.
Each Vice Chair leads a key committee, appointed by the Chair, and the full Leadership Committee meets monthly to coordinate efforts, make decisions, and ensure alignment across the organization.
Leadership Team
Chair
Alex Linser
First Executive Vice Chair
Jasmine Coaston
Vice Chairs
Eric Cook, Theresa Harper Kolodzik, Raffel Prophett, Stefanie Hawk
Secretary
Katie Hofmann
Treasurer
Brian Griffin
Executive Director
Zophia Pittman
Structure Overview
The Hamilton County Democratic Party is structured into four interconnected levels that collaborate to elect Democrats and advance our shared values. From executive leadership to neighborhood-level organizing, our framework guarantees effective coordination while preserving strong grassroots connections throughout Hamilton County.
Our Executive Committee is composed of Leadership, Ward Chairs (elected by the Precinct Executives in their Ward), Elected Officials, and other members appointed by the Chair. They meet on the fourth Tuesdays of odd-numbered months, vote on official HCDP endorsements, and are asked to serve on committees when applicable.
Our Central Committee is made up of Democratic Precinct Executives in Hamilton County. Central Committee Members are tasked with organizing Democrats in their precinct, supporting endorsed Democratic candidates during election cycles and beyond, serving on committees in the Party, and voting on Party leadership. The Central Committee also holds other responsibilities such as appointing county-wide positions when vacated by Democratic Elected Officials.
The Cincinnati Democratic Committee is made up of Precinct Executives within the limits of the City of Cincinnati. This committee endorses candidates and provides support in City of Cincinnati elections.
Precinct Executives are our boots on the ground in Hamilton County. They act as a surrogate and advocate for the Party in their own precincts. Their three main responsibilities are to register voters, turn out Democrats in their precincts by canvassing, phone banking, and letter writing, and handing out HCDP-endorsed slate cards at their polling place on Election Day. They are elected in the Democratic Primary during gubernatorial years or otherwise appointed by the Executive Committee.
- The committee includes:
- Party Leadership (Chair, Vice Chairs, Secretary, Treasurer)
- Ward Chairs, elected by Precinct Executives within their wards
- Additional members appointed by the Chair to ensure broad representation
- Meets on the fourth Tuesday of every odd-numbered month
- Votes on official HCDP endorsements of candidates and issues
- Serves on standing and ad hoc committees to advance the Party’s mission
- Central Committee members are responsible for:
- Organizing Democrats within their precincts year-round
- Supporting endorsed Democratic candidates during and beyond election cycles
- Voting on Party leadership, including officers and endorsements
- Serving on Party committees to advance our mission and local impact
- Appointing replacements for vacant county-wide offices when previously held by Democratic elected officials
- This committee ensures that every neighborhood has a voice in shaping the direction of our Party and our county.
- These grassroots leaders work together to:
- Endorse Democratic candidates in Cincinnati elections
- Mobilize local voters and support Democratic turnout efforts
- Advocate for city-level issues that reflect our shared values
- Core responsibilities include:
- Registering voters and encouraging civic participation
- Mobilizing Democratic turnout through canvassing, phone banking, and letter writing
- Distributing official HCDP-endorsed slate cards at polling places on Election Day
- Precinct Executives are elected during the Democratic Primary in gubernatorial years. If a seat is vacant, the Executive Committee may appoint a qualified individual to serve. These local leaders are essential to grassroots organizing and Democratic victories across Hamilton County.
Hamilton County Democratic Party Bylaws
The Hamilton County Democratic Party operates under a clear and transparent set of governing rules outlined in our official Constitution and Bylaws. We encourage all members, volunteers, and prospective leaders to review the bylaws to better understand how our Party functions and how decisions are made.
These bylaws define:
- The roles and responsibilities of Party leadership and committees
- Procedures for endorsements, appointments, and meetings
- Membership eligibility and voting rights
- Guidelines for Democratic Clubs, District Committees, and Precinct Executives
FAQ
The Central Committee is composed of Democratic Precinct Executives who help organize local efforts and vote on party leadership.
Precinct Executives are elected during gubernatorial primaries or appointed by the Executive Committee. Contact us to learn more.
Endorsements are voted on by the Executive and Central Committees following recommendations from our Nominating Committee.
The Executive Committee votes on official party endorsements, supports committee work, and meets every other month to guide the Party’s strategic direction.
The Central Committee is made up of elected Precinct Executives who vote on leadership and help organize voters at the precinct level. The Executive Committee includes party leaders, elected officials, and appointees who handle endorsements and broader party decisions.
The full Leadership Committee meets monthly. The Executive Committee meets on the fourth Tuesday of every odd-numbered month. Additional committee meetings are held as needed.
Ward/District Chairs, elected officials, and appointees selected by the Chair often representing key constituencies like labor, youth, or underrepresented communities.