KATI DURKIN
As YDA’s Western Vice President and former President of the Idaho Young Democrats, Kati Durkin (she/her) has been fighting her entire career for women’s rights, the LGBTQI+ community, immigrants’ rights, and climate justice—just to name a few. A champion of progressive values, Kati has been working to make sure that the Young Democrats of America aren’t shying away from the fights we can win and has spent countless hours working to empower young Democrats in red and rural communities.
Kati has been fighting on the ground in some of the toughest up-hill battles in America. As YDA President, she’ll work to re-write the playbook to equip Young Democrats with winning strategies and build stronger infrastructure for progressive organizing from sea to shining sea.
MARIA NIETO ORTA
Maria Nieto Orta (she/her/ella) is the current President of the Young Democrats of Nevada, where she led young Democrats in one of the closest swing states in the nation in 2024. Maria also serves as Vice Chair of YDA’s Hispanic and Latinx Caucus, where she works to energize, organize, and mobilize young Hispanic Americans across the country. As the first DACA recipient to lead YDNV, Maria is committed to fighting alongside YDA for the rights of immigrants and Dreamers.
SAM JANE
Sam Jane (they/them) is running for YDA Treasurer to continue their work of raising funds for and investing in the Young Democrats of America. Hailing from Virginia, Sam has worked with YDA both as Treasurer and as Virginia YD’s National Committee Representative. When they’re not raising money for champions of progressive values, they’re working in Virginia to protect reproductive freedom in Virginia as a campaign professional and abortion doula.
DORIAN PALMER
Dorian Palmer (he/him) is the former President of the North Carolina Young Democrats and is running to represent the Young Democrats of America on the DNC alongside Steph Campanha Wheaton. As YDNC President, Dorian raised over $90,000 to support Young Democrats in one of the closest swing states of 2024. A proud father of two and Black Appalachian man, Dorian is a reminder that “rural” doesn’t mean “white,” and is working to make sure the DNC is working to make the lives of young people easier, not harder.
STEPH CAMPANHA WHEATON
Steph Campanha Wheaton (she/her/ela) is YDA’s current DNC Representative. Originally from New York and now living in New Jersey, Steph has spent her time on the Democratic National Committee working to secure a seat at the table for young people. In her time on the DNC, Steph has helped grow the number of Young Democrats elected and appointed to the DNC, bringing more young people into the room where it happens, and is using her voice to make sure that young people can access all levels of Democratic politics.
OUR PRIORITIES
We're building a YDA that works.
/ Build the Bench
Mentor new chapters, make common-sense updates to the YDA appointment process, and leverage our alumni network and partners for member opportunities.
/ Prioritize Campaigns
Build a local-focused, ambitious organizing program for '25 and '26, build new partnerships to advance YDA's agenda, and train our members to lead on the campaign trail.
/ Build Youth Power
Fight for youth representation in national and state party leadership, engage our caucuses, increase resources for chapter-building, and increased transparency at YDA.