Since being elected in 2017 as a DNC Representative for WI, Khary was elected to be the DNC Black Caucus Treasurer and has been serving as a liaison between the National Party and our state and local Democrats, as well as recruiting and training activists to work on behalf of Democratic candidates and Democratic legislative proposals. Khary has also spoken at several events for incumbent elected officials as well as for first-time challengers! As a DNC Representative, Khary has co-sponsored 13 resolutions that were passed by the DNC’s full voting body. One of the more notable resolutions …
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DNC Member Re-Election
Khary is running to be re-elected to be WI's Democratic National Committee Member.
WHAT IS THE ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF A DNC MEMBER?
"DNC members are Party leaders and activists within their communities and at various levels of the Party. As such, they serve as an important liaison between the National Party, its constituencies, and state and local Democrats. Members attend and participate at DNC meetings and share their political expertise with the National organization and each other. Members also play an important role in recruiting and training other Democratic activists to work on behalf of Democratic candidates and Democratic legislative proposals."
I want to thank Congresswoman Gwen Moore for nominating me & MASH President, Peter Rickman, for seconding that nomination.
I was elected to my first term as your DNC representative in 2017. Before I ask you to vote for me again, I want to tell you how we’ve done and what we’re up against.
I was elected as the first Wisconsinite to be the DNC’s Black Caucus treasurer. As your DNC rep, I have co-sponsored 13 resolutions that were passed by the DNC’s full voting body including the Resolution Establishing the DNC Environmental and Climate Crisis Council. Last summer, I joined and assisted the organizing effort in favor of a presidential primary debate dedicated to the climate crisis.
Together, we were able to re-elect Senator Tammy Baldwin & Congresswoman Gwen Moore, elect Governor Tony Evers, & LT Governor Mandela Barnes & we were able to bring the DNC Convention to Milwaukee!
To everyone out there, to everyone running whether it’s for one of these DNC seats or for legislative office, to everyone trying to make a difference in the world, thank you. You are needed more now than ever. Standing up for what you believe in makes our party better. Being loud, using our voices, and including everyone makes our party better.
As a father of three, I understand the impact our party has on their future. Especially when it comes to gun violence, which is the fight of my life.
I was 20-months old the moment my mom held that gun instead of me, but my life didn’t officially begin until hers ended. From that tragedy, my life was set on a course of service to others because nobody should have to go through my pain.
At the time I am saying this to you, 115,000+ Americans have died due to Covid-19. We have watched the atrocities of black men & women, LGBTQ, nonbinary, and so many in our black community murdered and beaten in our streets. We watched in horror as George Floyd was murdered. We know that Breonna Taylor was shot and killed by police who used a "no-knock warrant". And we can’t forget Dontre Hamilton was shot & killed here in Milwaukee by a former officer in 2014.
Look, I know you’re scared & so am I. But, that’s why we have to keep fighting and refuse to be silent. As in all things, it is a long-united climb together to reach the summit. But we will reach that place when we all realize we are all human beings. We all have souls and we all worthy of decency and respect.
We are currently in an unsustainable situation no matter which way you look at it. We must commit ourselves to not turning a blind eye to this. We must resolve ourselves to say, we aren’t allowing hate & brutality like this to exist anymore. We are done. This ugliness, inescapable trauma, the living embodiment of racism - we are not going to accept this as normal.
We desperately need more black voices, we need more black leaders, mentors, representatives, and friends. We need to see members of the black community in positions of power and not viewed as enemy combatants. Proclaiming that BLACK LIVES MATTER isn't a controversial statement, but sadly some in our society have tried to turn that simple - yet powerful - phrase into something that it isn't.
I will continue to fight for gun violence prevention, for environmental justice, for healthcare for all, for police reform, for civil rights, for voting rights and for equality & fairness.
I will use my voice to lift yours, to find common ground, and to build trust. I am asking for your trust, your voice, and your vote once more for myself, Khary Penebaker, and Martha Love, Janet Bewley & Andrew Werthmann.
I will never forget your support, so I ask you humbly for your vote. I am grateful to be part of such an amazing community, and I am excited to continue to do the crucial work needed in our state to not only win but to change our perceptions of what is possible.
In solidarity,
Khary Penebaker
Viewing State Convention
The livestream link for viewing State Convention can be found at wisdems.org/live and is also linked on the DPW’s State Convention webpage.
State Convention Viewing Link: CLICK HERE
Program Time: 7 PM - 9:30 PM (approx)
Viewing Date: Friday, June 12, 2020
Should you wish to view the State Convention on TV, Wisconsin Eye will be streaming our event on cable channels 995 (Formerly Charter) and 363 (Formerly Time Warner), now Spectrum. Viewing links will also be available on DPW’s YouTube Channel and Facebook page, as well as on Wisconsin Eye’s website, YouTube Channel and Facebook page.
Please note that you will not be required to “view” or “attend” the livestream in order to be eligible to vote electronically. Please see the “Balloting Information” section below for more information on casting your ballot.
2020 DNC Member Election
Delegates to this year’s convention will vote to elect Wisconsin’s four elected DNC Members, two men and two women, to serve a four-year term.
DNC Member Candidate profiles and biographies are now available on the DPW State Convention website. Please navigate to the link below to read more about each candidate.
DNC Member Candidate Profiles: CLICK HERE
“Khary doesn’t back down from a tough fight and sticks to his values, which I admire. Now, more than ever, we need bold leaders in the DNC to fight for well-thought out, forward thinking strategies to advance our progressive values of shared prosperity, civil rights and economic justice. Khary is exactly who we need fighting for our progressive traditions at the DNC and beyond.”
-State Senator Chris Larson
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“Coming from a progressive, rural, part of Wisconsin, our needs here are often different than progressive, urban areas. Khary understands that just because someone isn’t from a big city, it doesn’t mean that they don’t have important perspectives that need to be shared. At the national level, though Wisconsin is not the largest or bluest state, I know Khary will make sure the national party knows that we are a strong state with an important perspective and role on our party’s platform. I am happy and proud to endorse Khary Penebaker for the DNC.”
-State Representative Beth Meyers
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1“In Wisconsin, we believe no one should be left out because of where they are from, who they love, or how much money they have. Khary will build a grassroots DNC platform that reflects our shared values of justice, compassion, responsibility and equality, and I support him for the DNC.”
-State Representative JoCasta Zamarripa
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“Khary is an unwavering progressive, just like me. I know he will fight for Wisconsin’s shared progressive values at the DNC, working to shape the national party to reflect our ideals. I am proud to support him for the DNC and I look forward to what he brings back to Wisconsin.”
-State Representative Jonathan Brostoff
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“Our party is seeing an overwhelming and wonderful influx in young people and people of color. That change needs a champion at the DNC who can ensure our party’s platform reflects the values of our changing demographics. I believe Khary Penebaker is that champion, and I encourage you to support him for the open DNC position.”
-State Representative David Crowley
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"As the District Attorney in a very red area, I know how challenging running races in these areas can be. I applaud Khary for having the courage to stand up to Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner, and I am encouraged that Khary continues to fight for our values. He will bring that great work at the DNC, so every race and candidate has the support needed to run in these tough districts."
-Jefferson County District Attorney Susan Happ
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“The 5th CD is a hard place to organize – an area so red it’s nearly maroon, with a Congressman who stopped listening to constituents’ needs years ago. Against all odds, Khary Penebaker had the courage and tenacity to take this challenge head on and put Rep. Sensenbrenner on notice: we will not be ignored any longer. We know he’ll take that same courage to the DNC to fight for all of Wisconsin, and we are proud to support him in his race for the DNC. “
-Colleen Robson, Chair Walworth County Democratic Party
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“As Chair in Waukesha, I understand the struggles and opportunities of organizing in a “red” county. Few people understand this better than Khary and I am proud to support Khary in his efforts to bring the work ethic and view of growing in a “red county” to the DNC.”
-Matt Lowe, Chair Waukesha County Democratic Party
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“Khary has the vision and the commitment to lead Democrats into a new era of progressivism.”
-Tanya Lohr, Chair Washington County Democratic Party; President, West Bend Education Association; Executive Board Member, Wisconsin Progress
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“Khary Penebaker is my choice for Wisconsin’s representative to the DNC. Khary is passionate and courageous in his pursuit of progressive change. His work on curbing gun violence is noteworthy as is his all-out campaign against Jim Sensenbrenner for U.S. Congress last year. He is a compelling speaker and talented organizer.”
Marlene Ott, Fmr. Chair 1st Congressional District
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“Khary Penebaker is the proven progressive leader Wisconsin needs in Washington. I’m proud to support Khary for DNC and urge my fellow delegates to join me.”
-Justin Koestler, Chair 5th Congressional District
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“Khary’s depth of knowledge, passion for justice and fair representation and personal character made me quickly respect this man. He can relate to issues in both urban and rural areas, and knows the struggle of being a Democrat in a red district. I support Khary for DNC – our party needs his passion and his voice for change.”
-Christine Welcher, Chair 2nd Congressional District
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“I am so proud to endorse Khary for DNC. He is a strong leader who will represent Wisconsin and our Democratic values. With his worth ethic, messaging skills, and aptitude for public speaking, he will exceed all expectations. I urge you to vote for Khary on June 3rd!”
-Clint Anderson, Beloit City Councilman
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“Khary has shown the he is a person of integrity who is passionate about progressive values and causes. He cares about the people of this state, and will fight for us over special interests. I would be proud to have him representing Wisconsin in the DNC”
-Mason T. Becker, Fort Atkinson City Councilman
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"I've known Khary for five years and his passion for working for what's right, and ability to motivate others would be a great asset on the DNC."
-Scott Trindl Former Chair of Waukesha County Democratic Party
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“Even before running for Congress, Khary spent his life advocating for issues affecting our communities. He has fought for gun safety, diversity, and women’s rights as an active member of the Democratic Party. With Khary representing Wisconsin in the DNC, I know that we will be on the right track to winning in 2018 and beyond”
-Nick Truog, Activist
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“Khary Penebaker represents the progressive tradition of Wisconsin – a tradition we must reinvigorate!”
-Harvey J. Kaye, Professor, Labor Unionist, Writer
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“Khary has made it his life’s work to fight for progressive causes. He has the energy and passion to represent Wisconsin Democrats in the DNC. Khary will provide bold leadership driven by a true conviction to make a positive difference”
-Trevor Jung, Racine Democrat
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“Khary Penebaker works on issues that are important to me and to other Democrats. He fights every day for sensible gun laws, Planned Parenthood, and will provide a needed voice to the DNC about helping candidates running in red districts. Wisconsin needs Khary to represent them to the DNC. Vote for Khary on June 3!”
-Lauren Young, Former Campaign Manager for Ryan Solen for Congress
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“I endorse Khary because wherever or whenever work is needed, Khary is there. In the DNC he will work harder than anyone to reach out to all parts of Wisconsin and find out what is needed to make Wisconsin blue again! Khary exemplifies the creed to "Do All the Good You Can in all the ways, means, places, times, to all the people, as long as you can."
-Jill Huennekens, Milwaukee Democrat of the Year