Candidate for state's top Democratic post visits Lemoore Senior Center on April 2

While several candidates are vying for the Democrats’ top spot in California, there are two that appear to be leading the pack.

Kimberly Ellis, one of the candidates, was in Lemoore April 2 to meet about 30 local Democrats at the Lemoore Senior Center where she explained her motivation for running for what is unarguably one of the most visible positions in Democratic politics in the country. Currently, former legislator John Burton leads the party.

Her most visible opponent is Democratic Party Vice Chair Eric Bauman, who has served the party since 2009 and has served as the Los Angeles party chair for seven terms. Ellis, from the Bay Area, is the executive director of Emerge America, and says she has dedicated her career to supporting, training and inspiring Democratic women to step into political power across California.

The two leading candidates for Democratic Party chair met in Lemoore at the Train Depot – along with other party candidates – in a forum that same day, unbeknownst to the local press.

The election for Democratic Party Chair will be May 19-20 in Sacramento. There are currently 3,200 delegates and the new chair will be elected by a majority of those voting.

Ellis has been working hard to secure votes, including adding a stop in Lemoore to her itinerary. On April 2 in Lemoore, while visiting at the local Senior Center, she spoke about returning to the Democratic values that she was taught by her grandmother – that Democrats stand for helping people who most need help. She said she wants to support candidates running for local offices (school board, city council) and more. She also wants to take big money out of politics.

In six years under her leadership, Emerge California has greatly expanded its reach, effectiveness, and visibility. Today, more than half of Emerge California’s 400 alumnae currently serve in elected or appointed office. Kimberly’s commitment to diversifying the state’s political landscape to become truly and authentically reflective of its electorate is reflected in the Emerge Alumnae: 56 percent are women of color.

Ellis worked at Emerge America’s national headquarters as the national state affiliate director, and In her capacity, was responsible for launching new state programs and working with existing affiliates to increase and strengthen program quality, sustainability and growth.

Ellis has worked in private industry, state government and the non-profit sector, developing leaders and successful organizations across platforms. In 2009, she was appointed by the mayor of Richmond to serve as a commissioner for the Community Development Commission.

Currently, she serves as the recording secretary for the African American Caucus of the California Democratic Party.

Kimberly is married with two children and resides in the San Francisco Bay Area.