In this episode of Evergreen Perspective, Ben Christly sits down with Shasti Conrad, Chair of the Washington State Democratic Party and Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee, for a candid conversation about where the Democratic Party stands today — and where it needs to go next.
The discussion covers:
• What Democrats learned from the 2024 presidential loss and the importance of connecting with voters where they are
• Major Democratic wins across Washington, including LD 5, LD 26, and city council flips in Longview, Newcastle, Sunnyside, and beyond
• How the Washington State Democratic Party supports candidates behind the scenes through organizing, volunteers, data, and infrastructure
• Why affordability has emerged as a unifying issue across urban, suburban, and rural communities
• The challenge of being a big-tent party while still delivering clear, consistent messaging
• The growing threat of authoritarian politics and why defending democracy still matters
• What’s at stake in Southwest Washington heading into the 2026 election cycle — from holding WA-03 to flipping key legislative seats
Shasti also shares her “You’re Welcome to Politics” moment — how reading Dreams from My Father helped shape her path into organizing, leadership, and national politics.
Evergreen Perspective is a Washington-based political and community podcast focused on making complex issues relatable and grounded in real-world experience.
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