The Sussex County Democrats had their Caucus on March 27th, and they overwhelmingly elected Jane Hovington as their new chair, reportedly shocking establishment Dems.
Jane had the support of progressives, because she opposes the death penalty, takes criminal justice reform seriously, and has a long history as a leader in the NAACP, among other things. And as an added bonus, she is the first African American woman to hold the position.
I know getting Jane and her team elected took a lot of hard work, so I send heartfelt congratulations to everyone who supported the transition to new leadership, especially all the new people Jane’s candidacy mobilized. Here’s the official press release:
From left to right: Dr. Eric West, Valencia Hayes, Anne Allen, Chad Lingenfelder, Esq., Jane Hovington, and Greg Fuller, Sr.
The Sussex County Democrats elected new leadership on March 27. Acting Chair Jane Hovington was elected Chair, the first African-American woman to hold that position. The new team also includes Greg Fuller, Sr. as Male Vice Chair; Anne Allen as Female Vice Chair; John Mears as Secretary; Valencia Hayes as Corresponding Secretary; Dr. Eric West as Treasurer; and Chad Lingenfelder, Esq. as Member-at-Large.
Mrs. Hovington has held a leadership role in the Democratic Party for years, serving on the Sussex Executive Committee as Vice Chair since 2008, formerly chairing the Democratic Committee for the 37th RD, and running for the Delaware State Senate in 2012. As a community activist for decades, she has worked on a wide range of issues, including education, hunger relief, criminal justice reform, and anti-racism. Her current positions include Program Director of the Shechinah Empowerment Center, Treasurer of the Delaware State NAACP, and Founding Board Member of the Richard Allen Coalition in Georgetown. She is a member of the Ellendale Civic and Community Association, West Side New Beginnings, and the Indian River School District’s education coalition, and co-founder of that district’s Character Academic Motivation Program.
Mrs. Hovington wants to bring the party together and plans to move quickly in anticipation of the 2018 elections. “The first thing I have planned,” she says, “is getting all of the Committee people together so we can sit down and develop a platform.’ After that, they will focus on ‘finding electable candidates who are really excited about representing the people of Sussex County in the legislature, on county council, and in statewide offices.”
“We are excited to have Jane as our new chair,’ says Cynthia Gooch Copley. “Because of her experience and temperament, she’ll be able to bring new people into the Party and create unity.”
“For more information or to get involved, please contact desussexdemocrats@gmail.com.”
Follow them on Twitter: @DelSussex