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ABOUT US

We are a group that believes in inclusiveness, diversity and compassion. We promote educational excellence, economic opportunities for all, social justice and individual responsibility. We will work to promote government that is responsive to the legitimate needs, interests and aspirations of every human being in a manner that does not diminish human dignity or those fundamental rights which are the birthright of all people of a free and democratic nation. 
Wilkes County Democratic Party Officers 2023-2025
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Kathryn Charles, Chair
Jim Parker, 1st Vice Chair & SEC member
Mandy Marxen, 2nd Vice Chair
Brooke Church, 3rd Vice Chair
Connie Cox, Treasurer
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Chalma Hunt, Secretary
Hazel Chapman, SEC member
A few words from our Chair, Kathryn Charles
I spent my early years here in Wilkes County, attending Wilkesboro and C.C. Wright Elementary Schools, then attending Wilkes Central High School. I graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors in Accounting at the University of Charleston in Charleston, W.Va. I am an enthusiastic supporter of education, social justice, a healthy environment, nature, art and animal welfare.

I have recently returned to Wilkes County, where I have realized that “retirement” for me must include making a positive contribution to my community and this world we all share.

Over the next two years, we must continue the work of growing our Democratic base in Wilkes, increasing and developing our Democratic precincts, which represent the bedrock of our party. In addition:
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  • We must increase our outreach efforts to all of our Democrats and unaffiliated citizens who may feel forgotten or unrepresented in our county, including but not limited to, our Hispanic, African American and LGBTQ citizens.
  • We must bring attention to the need for increased support for our public education system and our teachers, especially in light of the current administration’s attempt to divert funding to private and charter schools.
  • We must shed light on the serious issues of poverty, food insecurity, and homelessness in our county.
  • We must continue to seek opportunities for the economic development of our municipalities and county.
  • We must continue to find, support and elect qualified individuals who will represent us all, including women and minorities, at every level of elected office in this county.
  • We must preserve and protect our air, land and water, so that future Wilkes citizens will be able to thrive here.
  • We must do all that we can to protect the voting rights of all individuals and to advocate for fair and non-partisan redistricting.
  • We must support comprehensive healthcare for all, for seniors, women and persons with disabilities, as well as those who have fallen into the Medicaid Gap and cannot get affordable insurance coverage.
  • We must demonstrate our support for the rights of all working men and women to be compensated equally for the same work.
  • It is critical that we hold our elected officials accountable for their actions, and make sure ALL of the people of Wilkes County are represented.

Voting is critical, but “just voting” is no longer enough! Like anything worth having, a strong democracy requires work, rolling up our sleeves, going to meetings, making phone calls, knocking on doors, writing letters, working for good candidates, putting up signs, planning, collaborating, and earning some sweat equity. Participation in whatever way we can is absolutely necessary!

I am looking forward to participating with and working with my fellow concerned citizens on these and other important issues that touch our lives. 

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” -  our 44th President, Barack Obama:

So, my friends, let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work!
Kathryn Charles
Chair, Wilkes County Democratic Party
Kathryn Charles
​Party Chair, 2019-2021
Party Chair, 2021-2023
Party Chair, 2023-2025