Washington, DC – In response to Hillary Clinton’s announcement that she will run for president in 2016, DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement:

“I would like to welcome Hillary Clinton as the first official candidate for President of the United States to seek the Democratic Party's nomination in 2016. As First Lady, Senator, and Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton has been a forceful advocate for women, children, and families, and an effective ambassador on the global stage.

“While we expect a competitive primary for the Democratic nomination, one thing is for certain — next November, voters will face a choice between Democrats who will continue to build on the middle class economic success of President Obama, and Republican candidates who want to bring back the failed, trickle-down economics of the past. I look forward to the contributions that Secretary Clinton, and all of our eventual candidates, will bring to this debate between two very different visions for the country.”

Washington, DC – DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz issued the following statement on tonight’s mayoral election in Chicago, IL:

“I would like to congratulate Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel on his reelection. Mayor Emanuel has made critical investments in the city’s infrastructure and public transportation, implemented universal full-day kindergarten, and helped foster a growing economy that is creating jobs. With today’s election result, it is clear that the people of Chicago support his focus on middle class economics and the direction he is taking the city.  I look forward to seeing Mayor Emanuel's and the city of Chicago's continued success in the years ahead.”

Washington, DC – In response to Senator Rand Paul’s announcement that he will run for president in 2016, DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement:

“Rand Paul says he wants to unleash the American Dream but the only thing a Paul presidential candidacy unleashes is a massive lurch backwards to failed policies and narrow-minded extremism. He says he’s something different, but when you take a look, he’s the same as any other Republican presidential hopeful: good for the wealthiest few and bad for the middle class, and taking positions that are way outside the mainstream on issue after issue.

This is a classic example of a GOP presidential candidate thinking he can talk his way into our communities while turning his back on us when it comes to his policy prescriptions. Not only is Rand Paul not going to make the GOP’s tent any bigger, the tent actually collapses under the weight of his harmful policies. How can Rand Paul seek to broaden Republicans’ appeal when he has voiced opposition to the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act, opposed comprehensive immigration reform, written a budget slashing Pell Grants, belittled LGBT rights, and introduced bills to take women’s health care decisions out of their hands?

“On issue after issue his policies are the same as the rest of the GOP, but even more extreme, and will turn back the clock on the progress we have made.  That sounds like the same old Republican Party to me and it will to voters as well, who want a president who will fight to help them climb the ladder of opportunity.”

Washington, DC – Today, Democratic National Committee Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz announced the appointment of Reverend Leah D. Daughtry to be Chief Executive Officer of the Democratic National Convention Committee.

“We are thrilled to have Leah Daughtry return to lead our convention team. She will bring so much expertise, and enthusiasm to this important event,” said Wasserman Schultz. “Our Convention will be a key opportunity to showcase our Democratic values, lay out our Democratic vision for the future and celebrate our nominee. I am delighted to have Leah on board to lead this effort and propel our nominee on to victory in November 2016.”

For the past several years, Daughtry has been a Principal at BCT Consulting, which creates and produces high-profile, mission critical events.  She previously served as Chief Executive Officer of the 2008 Democratic National Convention Committee, responsible for all aspects of planning and execution of the Democratic Party’s quadrennial presidential nominating convention. She simultaneously served as Chief of Staff of the Democratic National Committee where she was responsible for the day-to-day management of the national Party’s affairs.  A native of Brooklyn, New York, Reverend Daughtry held various senior government posts, including Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management (Acting) at the United States Department of Labor with oversight of the Department’s management programs and a $35 billion budget.

She is founder of Faith In Action, the Democratic Party’s outreach initiative to communities of faith, and serves as Pastor of The House of the Lord Church in Washington, DC.  

“I could not be more excited to lead the Democratic Convention team,” said Leah Daughtry. “This is an exciting time to be a Democrat, and we have an important opportunity to build on the progress we have made over the last six years and to nominate and help elect the 45th President of the United States. The road to the White House will begin right here in Philadelphia!”

Additional details on the convention will be made available in the coming weeks.

Washington DC – The Democratic National Committee today is announcing four top-notch operatives to new and expanded roles in its communications department.

“I am thrilled to announce these new members of our communications team,” said DNC Communications Director Mo Elleithee. “With their wealth of communications experience, these new members will help us aggressively take the Democratic message to a wider audience as we work to help elect the 45th President of the United States and other Democrats all across the country in 2016.”

Kaylie Hanson will serve as Regional Press Secretary for the Northeast.  Hanson comes to the DNC from the office of Senator Chris Murphy from Connecticut where she most recently served as Deputy Communications Director after starting as Deputy Press Secretary on his campaign for the U.S. Senate in 2012. Prior to working for Senator Murphy, Kaylie spent two years in the office of U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan. @KaylieEHanson 

Kristin Sosanie has been tapped as Regional Press Secretary for the South.  She comes to the DNC from the South Carolina Democratic Party and Vincent Sheheen’s campaign for Governor in South Carolina, where she served as the Communications Director. Before that, she was the Communications Director for the Obama campaign in Minnesota, after serving as the Communications Director for the Minnesota DFL.  Originally from New Jersey, Kristin is returning to DC – she’s spent time on the Hill, working for the House Agriculture Committee, and received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from The George Washington University. @KSosanie

Eric Walker will join the team as Regional Press Secretary for the West.  Walker comes to the DNC from the office of Congresswoman Louise Slaughter where he served as the Communications Director for her official office and the House Rules Committee, after starting as the Communications Director for Congresswoman Slaughter’s re-election campaign in 2012. Born and raised in New Jersey, Eric is a graduate of The George Washington University. @EricMWalker

Miryam Lipper has taken over as the new Deputy National Press Secretary and Director of Broadcast Media after serving in assistant press secretary and press assistant roles at the DNC. Miryam spent time in Georgia through the 2014 midterms helping to elect Democrats up and down the ticket. Miryam is a graduate of Indiana University. @MiryamLipper

The DNC recently named Holly Shulman as National Press Secretary, Michael Tyler as Director of African American Media, and Rob Flaherty as Director of Digital Media.  Jason Pitt will continue in his role as the Regional Press Secretary for the Midwest.

I have been thinking about Women’s History Month and how to mark its passing for a while. This month has always been a time of reflection, a chance to look back on all that women have accomplished for themselves and the contributions they have made to American history. 

Which is why I jumped at the opportunity to sit down with four inspiring women DNC Caucus and Council Chairs at the DNC’s Winter Meeting and discuss what Women’s History Month means to them. Bel Leong-Hong, Iris Martinez, Betty Richie, and Virgie Rollins have been working for American women from all backgrounds and walks of life for decades, and they are happy to share their war stories, with much humor, with the next generation.

There’s no doubt that “we haven’t come as far as we think,” DNC Rural Council Chair Betty Richie explained to me.  Whether in boardrooms or at the ballot box, the barriers that women still face are on her mind.

Bel Leong-Hong, DNC Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Caucus Chair agrees. “We are just beginning to get a seat at the table. We have to remind our youth that the world is theirs” if we want to continue making gains in leadership positions. 

Of course, a great opportunity to bring young women into the fold is coming up in 2016, as Virgie Rollins, DNC Black Caucus Chair, reminded us. “2016 should be exciting for women,” she said.

The next rising star political woman could come from anywhere – just ask Illinois State Senator Iris Martinez, Chair of the DNC Hispanic Council. She got a job in the mailroom of the Mayor’s office not because she wanted to run for office but because she needed a job.

So this year, with these words of wisdom to guide me, I am embracing Women’s History Month as a call to action to continue the fight for women’s rights and political participation. 

Young women can’t assume that the women who came before us have already fought and won on our behalf.  Rather, young women everywhere should be inspired by their example to do more and better for ourselves and generations to come. 

Here’s one final question that I asked the group: What advice would you give to women looking to succeed in male-dominated fields?

“Never give up.” – Bel Leong-Hong, DNC AAPI Caucus Chair, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence, and Maryland Democratic superdelegate.

“¡Sí se puede!  Yes you can!” – Iris Martinez, DNC Hispanic Caucus Chair and Illinois State Senator, first Hispanic woman elected to the Illinois State Senate and to serve as Assistant Majority Leader.

“Just be yourself, be prepared…and break down the door!” – Betty Richie, DNC Rural Council Chair, DNC Women’s Caucus Secretary, 2008 Texas Democratic superdelegate.

“Don’t be afraid, you cannot be afraid! Just go out and be a leader.” – Virgie Rollins, DNC Black Caucus Chair, former President of the National Federation of Democratic Women, first African American woman to Chair the Michigan Democratic Women’s Caucus.

Happy Women’s History Month!

Bridget Hebbard is the Mame Reiley Fellow at the Democratic National Committee.