Dear Friends,

Nearly two years ago, I took the reins of the Brooklyn Young Democrats at a time of great transition for our organization. In these last two years, BYD broke fundraising records and expanded our membership. Our organizing efforts pushed back the rapid growth of the Republican Party in Southern Brooklyn and increased the number of young, reform-minded District Leaders in the Kings County Democratic Party.

As a native Brooklynite, serving as BYD’s president has been one of my greatest honors. With deep pride and gratitude for what we’ve built and achieved, I am announcing my resignation as President of BYD to pursue a new opportunity to serve Brooklyn in New York City government.

Since I joined BYD’s board four years ago, I have watched our club grow into a leading independent voice for reform in Brooklyn politics. Despite many attempts by the local party machine to change our values and stop our operations, we never wavered. In true Young Democrats fashion, we turned an existential crisis into institutional opportunity, cementing ourselves as the lone voice for youth Democratic politics here in Brooklyn. This May I was honored to accept the New York State Young Democrats “Chapter of the Year” Award on behalf of BYD in celebration of our efforts.

Although my time as President has reached its end, BYD is stronger than ever. There is no greater sign of that strength than the speed and seamlessness of this transition. I want to offer my congratulations to my dear friends Monae Priolenau, incoming president, and Kellan Calder, incoming Executive Vice President, as they take charge of our club. I cannot think of two better people to lead us through this period of change, and I encourage all our members and friends to step up and support them. I am deeply grateful to them and the entire board that runs the organization. Their combined efforts will ensure that BYD continues to be active and engaged with the most important issues facing our borough.

I want to thank the many partners, fellow club leaders, and elected officials who supported BYD, worked hard to elevate youth voices in politics here in Brooklyn, and stood by our club during our toughest moments. Most importantly, I want to thank our members, who have helped shape our club into the dynamic institution that it is today. BYD could not have achieved what it has without you all.

Although this is the last time that you’ll hear from me as President, rest assured, this won’t be the last time you hear from me. I look forward to seeing you as an audience member at our upcoming BYD meetings, collaborating with you to reelect Justin Brannan, and working together to tackle our biggest challenges yet to reform the County Party and to fight for Democracy in 2024. BYD’s best days are yet to come, and I look forward to seeing them come to fruition as a member.

Yours in Community,
Hunter Rabinowitz