This month you have the opportunity to vote in an internal party election for delegates (ADEMS) to represent your values at the California Democratic Party convention. The ADEMS will play a role in shaping the future of our state party as it recovers from last year’s stinging defeats and copes with a full shock-and-awe campaign coming from the gleeful victors. Now more than ever, it matters who wins the seats at ADEMS.
At our February 12 meeting, we are inviting the candidates running for Assembly District 55 ADEMS to come and introduce themselves. We ask the candidates to RSVP to our Club email CulverCityDemClub@gmail.com so that we can be sure to reserve time for them. An endorsing vote will be taken.
We have several current members running for ADEMS. Here is the list in the order in which they will appear on the ballot:
CCDC Members Running as Part of the Forward 55 ADEM Slate.
The numbers next to the candidates’ names correspond to their positions on the ADEMs ballot:
2) Greg Bartlett— Activist, Community/Mutual Aid Organizer, Producer
Hi, I’m Greg Bartlett, Delegate to the California Democratic Party. I’m running with a phenomenal slate of activists called Forward 55. I’m seeking your endorsement for a fourth term because our work is not done.
California Democrats, with supermajority control of the (soon to be) 4th largest economy in the world, should be leading the country doing what our democracy should do: take care of it’s citizens.
We must prioritize assistance to the most vulnerable: our unhoused neighbors, people formerly and currently incarcerated, and those with disabillities.
We must endeavor to make single payer healthcare a reality, I believe healthcare is a right.
We know that climate change is a real and present danger requiring massive infrastructure shifts toward clean energy and upgrading our power grids.
For far too long our systems in the US have exploited Black, Indigenous, and people of color to uphold white supremacy. Black lives must matter.
Our education system must reflect 21st century needs with high quality, tuition-free, Pre-k through College. And we must reject the criminalization of students of color.
We also need dramatic changes in our criminal justice system and shift police funding towards care, housing, and hunger.
We have to stop the scapegoating immigrants and institute real immigration reform and, immediately close the camps.
Our politicians should answer to their constituents, not corporate donors.
With your support, I look forward to continuing my work the CA Democratic Party.
Please vote the complete FORWARD 55 (www.adem55.org) slate so we can work together to accomplish these goals.
3) Shannon (Ziggy) Theus— Recording Secretary of our Club, Community Activist, Environmentalist
Stirred by an overwhelming sense of duty, I am running for my fourth term. I am an environmentalist, an ally, and a caretaker for the community. As an educator I campaign for children’s rights, and family rights. As a transmedia artist, I use my platform to give voice to the voiceless. I’m effective; what I pursue, gets done. I’m accessible; y’all know how to find me. As the Recording Secretary for Culver City Democratic Club, I am fully edified in the current concerns of our communities. I’m an advocate; and I am at your service.
6) Leah Pressman—Member of our Club’s Executive Board, Member of the State Party’s Executive Board, Child Clinical Psychologist, Community Activist
I am a member of the Central Committee of the County Democratic Party and the Executive Board member for the 55th Assembly District, elected in the 2023 ADEMs.
I am proud to be running for re-election with the Forward 55 slate, a group of outstanding social justice activists. Our slate has swept the last three elections and we hope to serve you for a fourth!
I believe that Democrats should be the party that fights to give voice to the voiceless and power to the powerless and to serve the needs of the poor and working class – not a party working for millionaires and billionaires.
After three terms as a delegate to the California Democratic Party, I know that progressive values can remain at the center of our party ONLY if WE, the delegates, hold party leadership accountable. I am running to hold party leadership, elected officials and other delegates to these high standards.
My history of pro-people advocacy and organizing includes working to help pass permanent rent control and robust tenant protections in Culver City and then successfully defending these measures against a ballot initiative created by landlords and Republicans to repeal them.
As Chair of the Politics/Elections and Legislation committees of the Culver City Democratic Club, I have organized candidate forums and overseen the club’s candidate and legislative endorsement process. I also serve on the Santa Monica Democratic Club legislative committee. I coordinated grassroots support for state bills on getting corporate money out of California politics, criminal justice reform, environmental protection, safe streets, LGBTQ rights, affordable housing, and tenant’s rights – selecting, tracking and advocating for around 30 bills a year. I volunteered on campaigns of many local progressive leaders such as Daniel Lee, Alex Fisch, Yasmine-Imani McMorrin, Freddy Puza, Bubba Fish, Holly Mitchell, Sade Elhawary, Isaac Bryan, and Ysabel Jurado.
I am a co-organizer of the Forward 55 slate. We are proud to be endorsed by the Progressive Delegate Network.
8) Omer Sohail—Community and Labor Advocate
Hi, I’m Omer (they/he), and I’m asking for your vote as an Assembly Delegate. As a first-generation immigrant who grew up in a working-class family, I’ve lived the realities of paycheck-to-paycheck struggles and saw my family lose our home due to the 2008 financial crisis. These experiences drive my commitment to public service and grassroots organizing. I’m a UCLA graduate with a Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning, and I’ve built my career as a Policy Analyst, Strategic Researcher, and community advocate. I’ve worked with labor unions, community-based organizations, and local governments to fight for worker rights, equitable development, and sustainable policies. My previous roles include working for progressive leaders in the State Legislature, always centering labor, environmental, and racial equity in policy. I have been endorsed by the Progressive Delegate Network and am committed to organizing with progressive Democrats at the grassroots level to build movements that fight for justice and equity. I am also proudly anti-genocide, and am horrified by the actions of the Israeli state against Gaza and the West Bank. The Democrats have not always been on the right side of history, but that needs to change if we want a livable planet and for the carnage in Palestine to end. Now more than ever, our party leaders need to know who we stand up for and divorce money from politics. As an ADEM, I will speak truth to power through my vote and voice. Together, we can make bold, people-centered change a reality.
10) Cynthia Clemons—Housing Justice Organizer & Advocate for Systemic Change
Cynthia has a background in providing homeless services in both New York City and Los Angeles.Cynthia has worked as a Case Manager and Residential Manager for The People Concern in Santa Monica. Working from a shelter and directly with its clients, she learned more about the causes of homelessness and the barriers those affected face to becoming housed. Desiring to make more of an impact on the policies and resources available in the community, she became involved with Abundant Housing LA and later joined the organization as a Field Organizer.
Cynthia’s experience also includes serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Crimea, Ukraine, comedy writing, and teaching English. ” She currently serves as the Special Events Chair of the Miracle Mile Democratic Club and is a member of the Culver City Democratic Club.
16) Nancy Barba—Energy Programs Director, Housing Advocate, Equity Champion, Mom
My name is Nancy Barba, I am a Latina, mom, and passionate advocate for equity, sustainability, and community. I am running as part of the Progressive Delegate Network endorsed slate. I am rooted in the values of hard work and resilience, shaped by my family’s journey as braceros and my upbringing in South Central Los Angeles by a single mother. Growing up I learned the importance of resilience, community, and opportunity. These values shape my candidacy to seek opportunities to galvanize our party to stand for housing, healthcare, and environmental justice as human rights.
Education was a transformative force in my life. As part of the school’s integration program, I commuted daily from South Central Los Angeles to Sherman Oaks, a journey that showed me the disparities in opportunity and inspired my passion for equity. I earned a B.S. in Business Administration and furthered my expertise with certifications in energy efficiency and green building.
I serve as a director at an energy efficiency and decarbonization consulting firm, working with local governments and utilities to tackle climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and build climate-resilient communities.
I’ve dedicated years to public service and community advocacy. As a former city planning commissioner, I’ve addressed housing and exclusionary zoning policies that perpetuate inequality.
I founded Culver City for More Homes, a grassroots group advocating for housing equity, tenant rights, and sustainable development. My leadership extends to environmental advocacy as a Sierra Club West LA executive committee member, where I champion urban sustainability and environmental justice initiatives. My advocacy and work is intersectional, focusing on issues like racial justice, housing accessibility, and climate resilience, ensuring that every policy I champion uplifts the most vulnerable.
I’m deeply invested in holding the California Democratic Party accountable in centering the values of civil rights, worker rights, LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive justice, and informing policies that shape People’s ability to create a world where everyone can thrive.
I bring a results-driven, data-informed approach to policymaking, paired with a deep commitment to community engagement. I’m ready to tackle the most pressing challenges—housing, climate change, and civil rights—with bold, progressive solutions.
25) Shetarrah Byfield—Grassroots Local & National Organizer, Former AD55 District Director
I am excited to announce my candidacy for a third term as a delegate to the California State Democratic Party for Assembly District 55. I am committed to advancing policies that promote justice, equity, and meaningful change. My work as an advocate, organizer, and public servant has positioned me to effectively represent our district and fight for policies that uplift marginalized communities. Serving as a delegate over the past several years has deepened my commitment to ensuring our party reflects the diverse voices in our community. I have seen firsthand how grassroots organizing drives change, and I am passionate about continuing this work in my third term. Previously, I served as District Director for the 55th California State Assembly District, managing constituent relations and organizing events to engage the public. This experience gave me a deep understanding of state government and strengthened my ability to advocate for policies that address our district’s needs. In addition to my government work, I have led several volunteer and advocacy efforts, both locally and nationally. As PAC Director for Reproductive Freedom For All CA Privacy, I focused on protecting reproductive rights and expanding healthcare access. As Chair of the Women’s Committee for the Los Angeles County Young Democrats, I advocated for policies to empower women. I also serve as Vice President of the Black Women’s Democratic Club and as a board member of the Black Los Angeles Young Democrats, where I fight for racial justice and equality. These roles have reinforced my belief in the power of collective action. I have organized canvasses, recruited volunteers, and led large-scale events to ensure our voices are heard. Through these efforts, I have gained the skills to continue pushing for meaningful, lasting change. I am committed to building a future where everyone has access to quality healthcare, economic opportunities, and education. I stand for policies that protect the environment, reduce violence, and promote equality and fairness for all communities. I look forward to continuing to use my voice to encourage the Democratic Party to push forward a future in AD 55, grounded in justice, equity, and sustainable opportunity. With your support, I will bring the same dedication, passion, and experience to my third term as a delegate. I’d be honored to earn your vote. Please vote for the complete FORWARD 55 slate (www.adem55.org) so we can work together to achieve these goals and create lasting, positive change for all Californians.
Member Running for ADEMS in Another District
AD61 ADEMS: Jeanna Harris—Culver City Democratic Club President-Elect, Registered Nurse, Activist
As a dedicated nurse case manager and passionate advocate for patients and our community, I have devoted my career to ensuring that every individual has access to quality, compassionate care. I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges families face navigating our healthcare system, and I’ve worked tirelessly to bridge gaps, promote equity, and empower those in need. My journey has been driven by a deep belief in putting people first, whether at the bedside, in the community, or advocating for systemic improvements.
As a nurse, I’ve stood alongside patients and families in their most vulnerable moments, advocating for their needs and supporting their recovery even when the system has turned its back on them.
As a community leader, I’ve pushed for legislation like CalCare to address healthcare disparities, improve access, and prioritize preventive care. Over the last 8 years I have served as a DNC delegate for Bernie Sanders in 2016 and 2020, ADEM delegate and LACDP member. I was also LACDP Democrat of the Year for AD61 in 2023 and continue to proudly serve CCDC as the new President.
This work has reinforced my commitment to creating solutions that not only serve individuals but also strengthen our community as a whole. I humbly ask for your support in re-electing me as a delegate to continue representing the 61st Assembly District and building a healthier, more equitable future that supports the many not the few.
What to know about voting in the ADEMS election
If you registered for a vote-online ballot in the ADEMS election, you should receive your voting credentials in the mail after January 31. Be sure to keep the PIN number you received when you registered. CADEM will post a handy “How to Vote” guide on its website in the near future. https://adem.cadem.org/ballot/.
If you missed the vote-online registration deadline, it is still possible to register online to vote in person. There will be in-person voting locations open on February 22 and February 23. Click here to register to vote in person. To find your Assembly District number, click here. All voting ends at 6pm on February 23.