Featured, From the Chair
Jason Critchlow
Jason Critchlow, chair of the St. Joseph County Democratic Party, sent the following message via email on Friday, January 11, 2019.
Friends,
I am writing to inform you of my decision to resign as St. Joseph County Democratic Party chair.
As a volunteer and executive of this complex organization, my goals were to create one that is modern and professional, advocate for policies that help the lives of working families, and empower and elevate good people to do great things in our community in order to create a more dynamic future for everyone.
I am proud to say that we have met those goals together and believe I leave this role with a reputation of hard work, consensus-building, and fair practices. Now is the time for a new leader to step in to maintain that reputation and build upon our successes.
The party has recruited more candidates, helped foster diversity in leadership positions, elected more Democrats, and deepened its relationship with communities across the county. We gained a new synergy as we fought and won battles to protect working families, individual rights, and the integrity of the vote. We have celebrated our victories, learned from our failures, and emerged from every struggle stronger than before.
The role of a volunteer party chair is important, but difficult. Balancing the responsibilities with my professional and home life was always a tricky balance, and I thank my wife, Olivia, for her never ending support.
I also want to thank the many in our community who offered guidance or support along the way, especially Vice Chair Debbie Ladyga-Block and the entire Central Committee, elected officials, candidates, activists, supporters, and community leaders. Everything we accomplished was done together as a diverse community of individuals.
Vice-Chair Debbie Ladyga Block will immediately assume the daily duties of party chair and will convene a caucus to nominate a successor to serve as a permanent replacement. She, along with the entire Central Committee and Precinct Committees, have my full faith and confidence.
Four years ago, you put your faith in me and allowed me the opportunity to earn your trust. I thank you and plan to continue the work of advancing our progressive priorities to make our community stronger for all.
Thank you for everything and for all you do,
Jason Critchlow
Featured, From the Chair
*Note: St. Joseph County Democratic Party Chairman Jason Critchlow sent the following message via email on Wednesday, Nov. 7, the day following the 2018 election.
Jason Critchlow
Friends,
Although we are saddened by some of last night’s results, we must celebrate our wins—including the Democratic Party’s overall success at the national level—while learning from our losses. Most importantly, we never stop fighting for our future and what we know to be right.
Our candidates were each incredible individuals who put their hearts and souls into their campaigns, and for that we are immensely proud. Although some were unable to cross that finish line, they have proven that they have a bright future. Their dedication, passion, and spirit give strength to all those around them.
You can see final results here.
We want to thank every individual, volunteer, activist, supporter, and organizer for everything you have done. What you did absolutely matters and made a huge difference.
In addition to the Blue Wave that swept Democrats into control of the United States House of Representatives, here are some takeaways and bright spots from yesterday’s results locally:
- Joe Donnelly and Mel Hall received a 17,336 and 13,701 respective vote advantage from our county.
- Democrat candidate for secretary of state, Jim Harper, won our county when our previous candidate lost. This means Democrats will now appoint the inspectors at the polling locations for future elections as well as be listed first on General Election ballots.
- The two other statewide candidates each won St. Joseph County.
- We re-elected state Rep. Joe Taylor and fell just 466 votes short of electing Don Westerhausen.
- We elected Democrat Jason Cichowicz to replace Republican Jim Fox in the Probate Court.
- Democratic candidate for Sheriff, Bill Redman, was the top vote-getter in our county, with a whopping 21,044 vote victory.
- Democratic candidate for commissioner, Tim Swager, fell just short of unseating incumbent Andy Kostielney by only 488 votes.
- We elected Democrat Joe Canarecci to the County Council, maintaining a 6-3 Democratic majority.
- Democrat Cindy Kilgore fell just 438 votes short of taking away another Republican seat on the County Council—the slimmest margin for this seat in decades.
- Four township advisory board positions went from Republican to Democratic candidates with the election of Chris Bowman, Sean O’Brien, Mindy Fountain, and Lacy Hahn. Jennica Liberatore fell just 47 votes shy of adding one more.
We know there is work still to be done, and our future together is bright and strong.
The fight for 2020 begins today, and we look forward to meeting the challenge ahead alongside each of you.
Thank you again,
Jason M. Critchlow
Chairman – St. Joseph County Democratic Party
