Waikinya Clanton launches bid for DNC Vice Chair

JANS – Waikinya Clanton, a former Democratic National Committee (DNC) and congressional staffer and lifelong organizer, has launched a bid to become the DNC Vice Chair.

“The outcome in November made it clear that elections aren’t won from corner offices or conference calls. They’re won in church basements, at community centers, and on doorsteps. They’re won by showing up, listening, and delivering results,” said Clanton. “For more than a decade, I have been in those church basements, community centers, on doorsteps, and sat at many of those tables. I’ve been able to create and sustain meaningful relationships with working people because I realize that relationships are key to rebuilding trust and moving people forward.”

In her previous work for the DNC as a senior advisor to the Chair, serving as the associate director of African American Outreach and Engagement and as the associate director of Women’s Outreach and Engagement, Clanton played a major role in outreach to the very communities which are the backbone of the DNC’s electoral successes. She also served as Executive Director of the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women, a Congressional aide to Congressman Bennie G. Thompson on Capitol Hill, and, during the last couple months of the 2024 presidential election, effectively mobilized nearly 300,000 Black women in support of Vice President Kamala Harris in her candidacy for President as founder of Black Women for Kamala.

Almost immediately, Clanton garnered a unanimous endorsement by the Mississippi Democratic Party with Rep. Cheikh Taylor, Chairman of the Mississippi Democratic Party releasing a statement of support, “Waikinya is not only a skilled advocate but also a visionary leader who inspires others to take action. Her work transcends political lines and focuses on the core values of justice, fairness, and inclusion. Whether organizing grassroots campaigns or influencing policy on a national stage, her impact is both profound and far-reaching. She understands the importance of meeting people where they are and her focus on translating policy into real-world impact and celebrating people’s victories over party wins sets her apart as a leader who prioritizes community needs.”

“We lost this election in the margins, because we forgot about marginalized people – young people, our seniors, our disabled; people in rural America and middle America. People whose issues aren’t discussed and decided at tables with white linen but at tables checkered with overdue medical bills, overpriced grocery receipts, and eviction notices,” said Clanton. “As your DNC Vice Chair, I commit to helping recalibrate and reinvigorate our relationship with these voters to rebuild trust by meeting people where they are and translating policy into real impact; and investing in our future through sustainable civic engagement programs and local leadership development.”

For more information on Clanton, visit: https://www.clantonfordnc.com.