KING WILLIAM , VA
DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE
KEEPING VIRGINIA BLUE!
We are committed to electing Democrats
up and down the ticket.
We believe that
the economy should work for everyone,
that health care is a right,
that diversity is our strength,
and that democracy is worth defending.
Paid for by the King William County Democratic Committee
2026 Executive Committee
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Betsy Donoghue - Chair
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James Barnett - Vice Chair
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Ann Jennings - Secretary
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Vincent Gaines (Vinni)- Treasurer
THANK YOU FOR VOTING "YES"!
THANK YOU FOR VOTING "YES"!
NEXT MEETING DATE:
SATURDAY, June 20th, 2026
TIME:10:30AM-12 NOON (In-Person)
LOCATION#1:
Third Union Baptist Church
452 Walkerton Road
King William VA, 23086
See You There!
Supreme Court Ruling Update…
Our April 21st ”YES” vote won in numbers but was struck down in a 4-3 vote by the VA Supreme Court as unprocedural!
It has been VOTED DOWN again!
The United States Supreme Court rejects bid to revive Democrats redistricting plan…
Virginia Democrats’ last-ditch bid to revive their plan to redraw the state’s congressional districts to gain additional Democratic seats fizzled out Friday at the Supreme Court as the justices refused to restore the results of the referendum voters approved last month. Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones asked the nation’s highest court to take emergency action to block a Virginia Supreme Court ruling earlier this month that nullified the referendum after concluding that it violated the state’s constitution.
The emergency appeal found no traction at the Supreme Court. A one-sentence order released shortly after Jones filed his final brief on the appeal said Chief Justice John Roberts referred the stay request to the full bench, which denied relief.
BUT ..WE WILL STILL FIGHT BACK FOR OUR DEMOCRACY
WE MUST VOTE !!!
JUNE ~MEETING GUEST!
11:00AM Shannon Taylor
Shannon Taylor has dedicated her career to protecting our community.
Shannon Taylor has spent the past 13 years as Henrico County’s top prosecutor protecting families and keeping our streets safe. She’s taken on violent criminals, fraudsters and drug dealers—never backing down from the toughest fights.
Now Shannon is running for Congress in Virginia’s 1st District to take on career politician Rob Wittman, who has sold out working families to special interests and the ultra-wealthy. Shannon will fight to lower costs, enforce our laws and protect our healthcare.
11:30AM Jason Knapp
For 21 years, I served this country as a Naval Officer and F/A-18 pilot.
My service to this country was guided by one question: What’s the mission? The answer always demanded clarity, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to bring every team member home safely.
Now, my mission is here at home. I’m a father, business owner, and veteran who believes the people of VA-01 deserve representation grounded in real-world experience and accountability — someone who will work as hard for our communities as I did for our country.
MAY MEETING RECAP!
King William Democrats Host Candidates for Congress
King William Democrats hosted two candidates for Congress at their recent meeting. In all, seven Democratic candidates are running in the First Congressional District Primary in August. The winner of the Democratic Primary will run in November, hoping to unseat Congressman Rob Wittman.
Candidates Tim Cywinski and Salaam Bhatti joined the King William Democrats at their meeting, engaging the group in a spirited discussion of current issues. A recording of the Candidates’ speeches can be found BELOW.
The seven candidates are: Elizabeth Dempsey Beggs, Salaam Bhatti, Tim Cywinski, Jason Knapp, Erika Kopp, Shannon Taylor, and Mel Tull. See their websites for more information. Shannon Taylor and Jason Knapp will be speaking at the KW Democrats’ June Meeting on June 20, 2026.
Early voting in the Democratic Primary begins on June 18 th and runs through Primary Election Day on August 4 th . The winner of the Democratic Primary will run in November, hoping to unseat Congressman Rob Wittman. Be sure to VOTE !
Two Candidates for Congress spoke at the recent King William Democrats meeting. Back row, middle are Tim Cywinski (tall with white shirt) and Salaam Bhatti (blue sweater and glasses). Also pictured are King William Democrats’ Officers: Betsy Donoghue, Chair; James Barnett, Assistant Chair; Ann Jennings, Secretary; and Vinni Gaines, Treasurer.
Tim Cywinski
A community organizer and policy advocate who has spent more than a decade working inside and outside government to deliver real results for real people.
He’s not running to learn how the system works — he’s running because he knows how to fix it.
Salaam Bhatti
Fighting For Us… As a public interest lawyer, Salaam says, “I’m not here to make dollars — I’m here to make change.”
Now, Salaam is running for Congress to tax the billionaires, guarantee health care for all, and restore trust in government — because Virginia’s 5th District deserves a fighter for the people.
PAMAUNKEY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION MAYDAY 2026!
APRIL MEETING RECAP
Eizabeth Dempsy Beggs
Watch the Meeting Video….
A mother, a firefighter’s wife, a veteran, and an advocate. But above all—someone who has never chosen the easy path.
People often ask why I chose to run for Congress now, at 29, with four children five and under. The truth is simple: how could I not?
Because our children deserve better—mine and yours.
Because our veterans deserve real support, not slogans.
Because families deserve leaders who understand sacrifice.
Because communities deserve someone who will fight for them even when it’s hard—especially when it’s hard.
I’m running for Congress because service never stops—and because doing the right thing is worth the fight every single time.
MARCH MEETING RECAP!
THANK YOU FOR WRITING POSTCARDS WITH US - FOR DEMOCRACY!
In Case You Missed It! February Speaker’s Recap…
L /R Committee Officers /Candidate Speakers:
Vincent Gaines-Treasurer, Melvin Tull- Candidate, Ericka Kopp-Candidate, James Barnett-Vice President, Betsy Donoghue-Chair, Anne Jennings -Secretary
COMING UP!
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5TH DISTRICT TOWN HALL MEETING!
When: May 21, 2026 @ 6:30
Where: VENUE CHANGED to Broadus Baptist Church (Hebron Campus) located on Rt 30 (King William Hwy) at intersection with Dabneys Mill Road. (The church is located immediately next to the entrance into the Mangohick Fire Station).
**Note: that this is a change from the location of the meeting on the signs placed around the district…
Topic: Introduction of New County Administrator Derek Stamey
Mr. Stamey will provide his vision for the county. He and 5th District Supervisor Keith Fogg will answer questions!
Looking forward to seeing you there!
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"DINING WITH DEMOCRATS"
TUESDAY, MAY 26TH, 2026 @ 6PM
LOOK FOR AN EVITE!
NEW TO THE GROUP? RESERVE YOUR SPOT! PLEASE RSVP…
Hope to See You There…
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UPPER KW LIBRARY SOFT OPENING!
UPPER KW LIBRARY SOFT OPENING SCHEDULED FOR MAY 28TH @ 10AM
7890 RICHMOND TAPPAHANNOCK HWY, AYLETT VA 23086
NEW HOURS
M W F 10AM-6PM
TUES & THURS 10AM-8PM
SATURDAYS 10AM-2PM
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GET TO KNOW YOUR CANDIDATES!
THURSDAY, JUNE 4TH, 2026!
6PM - 8PM
“Early Voting” for the Primary Election begins June 18, 2026!
Learn about each candidate’s take on the current state of our country, the issues they believe are most important, and how they plan to address them as they compete in the Democratic primary for the 1st Congressional District seat.
WHO’S SPEAKING…
Elizabeth Dempsey-Beggs
Salaam Bhatti
Tim Cywinski
Jason Knapp
Ericka Kopp
Shannon Taylor
Melvin Tull
This candidates’ forum is free and open to the public!
WHERE:
RCC-GLENNS CAMPUS
12745 College Drive,
Glenns, VA 23149
THIS EVENT WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING VIA ZOOM!
CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO REGISTER TO ATTEND!
Sponsored by: Gloucester, Mathews, Essex, and Middlesex County Democratic Committees.
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PANCAKES FOR DOLLY
JUNE 6TH, 2026 8AM-12PM
A MORNING OF PANCAKES & CELEBRATION!
ABOUT THIS EVENT
$5 FOR CHILDREN (7 and under)
$10 FOR PERSONS 8 and up!
GAMES, FACE PAINTING, BOOK CORNER, PICS W DOLLY, PRIZE DRAWING ~ SILENT AUCTION!
LOCATION
PAMAUKEY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION BLDG
18627 KING WILLIAM ROAD
KING WILLIAM, VA 23086
Hosted by The Kiwanis Club of the Tri-Rivers
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Meet the Candidates for VA CD01!
SATURDAY, JUNE 6TH, 2026!
11AM - 1PM
PLEASE JOIN
Williamsburg JCC Indivisible, The Williamsburg Unitarian Universalists, and Indivisible Essex…
On Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 11am-1pm, at the James City County Recreation Centre, located at 5301 Longhill Road, Williamsburg, for a …
VA CD01 CANDIDATE FORUM
Including Speakers:
Elizabeth Dempsey Beggs, Salaam Bhatti, Tim Cywinski, Jason Knapp, Ericka Kopp, and Mel Tull.
Moderated by Stan Scott.
RSVP HERE on Mobilize or at WilliamsburgJCCIndivisible@gmail.com so we can plan for snacks and beverages.
Early voting begins on Thursday, June 18, 2026. (Juneteenth is a holiday.)
Election Day is August 4, 2026.
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KW JUNETEENTH COMMUNITY FESTIVAL & FREEDOM CELEBRATION
Saturday, June 20th, 2026
10:00 AM - 3PM
VOLUNTEER AT OUR BOOTH! RSVP BELOW IF INTERESTED?
WHERE:
King William County Courthouse
Green Lawn Facing Route 30 (Old Courthouse Area)
124 Horse Landing Road, King William, VA 23086About this event
We have great plans and look forward to the 4th Juneteenth Festival in King William County, Virginia.
The Juneteenth Celebration commemorates the end of slavery in the United States by celebrating the joys of liberty, educating the community, and promoting positive cultural interaction.
During the one-day event, the community and visitors will experience a wide variety of information, entertainment and vendors. This celebration will also have our local and community leaders in attendance.
Celebrate unity, progress, and hope for the future.
Hosted by the King William Cultural & Heritage Council
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JUNE MEETING!
SATURDAY, JUNE 20TH, 2026
10:30AM-NOON (IN-PERSON)
LOCATION#1
THIRD UNION BAPTIST CHURCH
452 Walkerton Landing Road
King William Va 23086
SPECIAL GUEST:
STARTING @ 11:00 AM
DEMOCRATIC CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATES…
Shannon Taylor
Jason Knapp
Come out to hear their take on things!
See You there!
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VA DEMS WOMEN'S CAUCUS
DPVA Women's Caucus
Join us Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 8–10 AM in Richmond for the Virginia Women’s Caucus 20th Anniversary Annual Breakfast!
Richmond Marriott
This promises to be an exciting event with highly regarded Democratic women in Virginia politics as speakers!
Together, we’ll celebrate our legacy, amplify our collective power, and energize the road ahead.
Trust us—you’ll want to be in the room for this milestone moment.
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2026 VA DEMS BLUE GALA!
Saturday, June 27th, 2026
6:00 PM
Blue Commonwealth Gala Tickets are on sale NOW!
Virginia Democrats’ premier event of the year brings activists and leaders from all across the Commonwealth to downtown Richmond for a night of celebration and connection!
Funds raised at this iconic event help to ensure the Democratic Party and its candidates have the resources needed to win in November and beyond!
We invite you to join us at this annual gathering to meet your fellow Democrats and future leaders of Virginia!
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VA YOUNG DEMOCRATS
Saturday, June 27th, 2026
9 pm - 11 pm
The Virginia Young Democrats invite you to dance off your dinner with us at After Dark with special guests and exciting sponsorship opportunities!
Downtown Richmond
Address TBD
Proceeds from this event directly support VAYD's year-round efforts to empower young leaders and elect Democrats across the Commonwealth!
All tickets include entrance to the event and appetizers. A cash bar will be available for beverages. Sponsors will be recognized during the event and online.
Please contact Connor Eppley (finance@vayd.org) with any questions.
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COMMUNITY HIGHWAY CLEAN-UP!
Interested in keeping our highways clean?
JOIN OUR HIGHWAY CLEAN-UP TEAM…SIGN UP …TO RECEIVE MORE DETAILS!
2026 Dining with Democrats!
2026 Dining with Democrats!
Dining with Democrats!
Come out and join us for the next one!
May 26th @ 6PM
TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT!
WE STAND FOR!
MONKS PASS THOUGH RICHMOND, VIRGINIA
Join us today!
Where Vision Meets Action..
Make a Difference!
Write post cards with candidate/voting information to neighbors
Make phone calls to potential voters
Using a “texting system,” (not your personal phone) engage with potential voters
Visit neighbors to provide information about our candidates and voting
Display signs on your property
Engage with fellow voters, Communicate important information within your existing networks (churches, social circles, professional organizations, etc.)
Donate funds to help pay for postcards, postage, and yard signs.
Have other ideas to help us GO ALL BLUE? Please let us know!
COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP ACTIVITY
FOR MORE DETAILS SIGN UP!
INTERESTED in keeping our highways clean? We’re putting together a Highway Clean-Up Crew!
