Happy New Year! This Week: Defending Democracy, Caucus & Convention

SD49 Activist Bulletin: January 1st, 2026. Written by Kat Johnson, SD49 Chair and Rod Fisher, SD49 Vice Chair

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Chair’s Notes

I’ve had a lot to think about out lately. One issue is how some people say they’re frustrated with our party structure and how slow law-making moves.

The earthquake-scale speed and drama of last year made me ready to defend work done at a deliberate pace. “Chesterton’s Fence” is my reminder: don’t tear something down if you aren’t sure what it’s for.

Our mission is electing Democrats to office. We come together to elect people to represent our common values. Once they’re elected, we can’t turn our backs on the process: local networking, community organizing, and bringing our concerns to our elected officials. To have the best government, we need the best informed representatives, who hear from us.

It takes a lot of good people putting in small amounts of time, thought, and money to make a fair and balanced system work. There’s great value in many people doing small things.

I joined a network to support neighbors who fear for their safety. You can share your strengths, too. Send a text or e-mail to Rod or me, and we’ll put you in contact if you want to help. chair@dfl49.org. vice-chair@dfl49.org

If you’re needing help with getting through your week, if you just need to talk, (and sometimes that is all I need) please make the call. I might not answer right away, because I screen all my calls. We’re in this together.

Vice-Chair’s Notes - Senate and caucus get exciting!

Kudos to the local candidates who stand up and are willing to run for office.   We now have 3 people running — in one case being drafted — for SD49 Senate nomination.  They all have excellent potential. 

See below for the links to the 3 that have gone public so far.  This means our Precinct Caucuses on Feb 3 will be a lively and important (and fun) event where we'll hear from these and other candidates. 

You can and should attend.  It’s an energizing night and we need everyone to join in the grassroots start of the 2026 election year. 
And when you meet any candidate, please thank them for running.  It is a huge commitment to even run a campaign, let alone serve in office.

SD49 Senate Candidates so far:
https://drkelliestecher49.com/ 
https://www.neighborsforkrish.com/ 
https://www.elizabethforsd49.org/