What began with just four Democratic clubs in 2004 has blossomed into 14 area clubs plus the Democratic National Committee combining resources to support its 2024 Westside Democratic Headquarters. This election season, area Democrats have based the office on the accessible Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica.

Westside Democrats know that most local incumbents, such as Congressmember Ted Lieu, Assemblymembers Isaac Bryan, Jacqui Irwin, and Rick Zbur, or U.S. Senate candidate Adam Schiff, are on safe ground. So, the Westside Democratic Headquarters focuses on helping Democrats in swing states and swing districts around the country.

“We know California has a surplus of volunteers, so we are able to export our volunteers to states that really need our help,” said Jane Wishon, Chair of the Westside Democratic Headquarters. She told Westside Voice that the four original clubs in 2004 were the Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, and West L.A. Democratic Clubs.

She added, “We find it really invigorating to consolidate and create a sense of community for clubs and volunteers, and when we come to times like this where it’s so important that we all show up – we all show up – and as Michelle Obama said last week, ‘do something.’”

Historically, the Westside headquarters has attracted thousands of volunteers and made millions of voter contacts through texts and phone calls. Its website (https://westsidedemhq.org/) claims the effort “Gives Westsiders outsized national influence.”

While the official opening took place on Sunday, September 1, the unofficial launch of the Westside effort was Thursday, August 22 as area Democrats gathered to cheer on Vice President Kamala Harris as she accepted her party’s nomination for President.

Dan Hall, a Chair of the Santa Monica Pier Board and candidate for city council, was at the watch party. “The energy in the room was palpable!” said Hall. “There is a certain excitement around the Harris-Walz ticket that I haven’t seen since 2008. Democrats recognize it’s time to turn the page and introduce a new generation of leadership represented by the Party up and down the ticket. In 2024 we face a choice of competence vs. cronyism, compassion vs. cruelty, our freedoms vs. a felon.”

The combined clubs also plan on bussing volunteers to neighboring swing states. “In October, our plans are to focus those weekends on sending folks for a whole weekend to Phoenix and Las Vegas,” said Wishon. “We’ll be sending van loads to Northern L.A. County where George Whitesides is running [for Congress] against Mike Garcia, who is just awful.”

Those interested in volunteering can email [email protected]. The organization also has an X (formerly Twitter) handle @WestsideDemHQ and an Instagram account to follow @westsidedemhq. You can also sign up for email updates from the Democrats here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/8wWNNnE

Photo of the author just outside the Westside Democratic Headquarters.