Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
My name is Emerson Kirby. I've had the privilege of serving as the 3rd Vice Chair of the Durham County Democratic Party for the past two years. As a lifelong Durham resident with a deep commitment to the party, I’m invested in shaping its future.
I grew up in a very politically active family, with both of my grandparents having served in public office. I grew up going to precinct meetings and learning about the power of local political participation. From an early age, I was taught the importance of community involvement.
I have worked with Kids Voting Durham to help young people understand the electoral process. I was involved in the Durham Participatory Budgeting initiative, where I worked with community members to allocate public funds to meaningful projects. I volunteered with local campaigns, including those for Durham City Council and Soil and Water Conservation, and have spoken at Durham City Council meetings advocating for policies that benefit our community.
I graduated from Duke University with a major in Public Policy and a minor in Computer Science. My education equipped me with the tools to understand politics, policy, and their real-world impacts. I interned with Legal Aid of North Carolina and Self-Help Credit Union, gaining valuable experience in free legal resources and affordable housing.
As 3rd Vice Chair of the Durham County Democratic Party, I drove our online outreach efforts with branding materials for social media, helping to launch our first paid advertising campaign, maintaining the Durham Dems website, and designing the Leaflet Every Doorstep website. I helped coordinate voter registration booths at events like Centerfest and Juneteenth. Leading up to the 2024 election, I was deeply involved in crafting social media content for rallies, community events, and crucial voting information, while attending many of these events to stay connected with the community. I created graphics and posted videos for our Mo Green fundraiser, helping to build support and momentum. I was honored to serve as one of the keynote speakers at the 2024 4th Congressional District Convention and represent Durham as an at-large delegate at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
Now, I’m ready to take the next step to lead the Durham County Democratic Party as Chair and ensure that we’re not only organized, but truly connected to the people we serve.
I’m running for Chair of the Durham County Democratic Party because I believe we can build a stronger, more inclusive party that truly reflects the energy and diversity of Durham. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand what we’re capable of when we come together, but I also know there’s more work to be done. We need a party that isn't just mobilizing voters during election cycles, but one that builds lasting connections year-round. We need leadership that doesn’t just speak for the people, but listens and acts on their needs, values, and aspirations.
Having been 3rd Vice Chair for the past two years, I won’t be coming into this role with blinders on. I know the challenges we face, and I’ve already been working on solutions. We’ll be ready to hit the ground running from day one.
This is also an opportunity to prove that young people are ready to lead — and that the Democratic Party is ready to give them the space to do it.
Together, we can build a party that is inclusive, accountable, and truly representative of Durham’s diverse community.
Too many people feel like the Democratic Party doesn’t represent them or isn’t accessible to them. That needs to change. Here’s how we do it:
1. Strengthening Internal Operations, Structure, & Communication
A well-organized party is a powerful one. We’ll start by making sure our internal processes are streamlined, efficient, and transparent. By improving communication within our leadership team and with our volunteers, we’ll be able to respond more quickly to opportunities and challenges. Everyone will be informed and empowered to take action.
2. Expanding & Empowering Our Base
To grow our party, we need to make sure that everyone feels they have a stake in what we’re doing. We’ll work to expand our outreach to underrepresented communities, ensuring that the voices of Durham’s youth, people of color, and working families are heard and valued. My goal is not only to increase voter turnout but also to build a strong, engaged base that will stay with us year-round, not just during elections. Strong precinct organizations are key to this, and we need to support them year after year to keep those connections strong.
3. Modernizing Outreach & Visibility
We need to strengthen our partnerships with local organizations, host more community-centered events, and strategically invest in influencers to amplify our message. It's crucial that we improve our messaging and visibility to ensure our party is reaching all communities — not just those already engaged. By working with influencers and expanding our grassroots efforts, we’ll increase our visibility, build stronger connections, and reach new audiences, ensuring the Durham County Democratic Party is present everywhere it needs to be.
4. Continuing to Build Volunteer Engagement & Support
Our volunteers are the heart of this party, and it’s essential that we keep them motivated and engaged. We’ll strengthen our volunteer networks, provide them with the training and resources they need, and ensure that everyone feels like they have an active role in our county party.
5. Listening & Creating a Culture of Open Dialogue
To lead effectively, we must listen first. I am committed to creating a culture where every member, volunteer, and community member feels their voice matters. We will foster an environment of open dialogue, where ideas are shared freely, concerns are addressed, and everyone feels heard and valued.
I'd love to hear from you.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.