As we eagerly await the blue wave this November, Democrats must ask ourselves: what happens after the 2026 blue wave? How do we prepare for the future?
It’s not enough to focus on 2026. Look at New York circa 2022: State Democratic Party leadership took their foot off the gas and failed to articulate a compelling vision for what Democrats would accomplish in a post-Trump world. As a result, we lost four key congressional seats.
In 2024, investments in a statewide “coordinated campaign” — led by a federal Democratic apparatus — flipped back some seats. But when election season ended, the coordinated campaign closed shop. According to state Democratic Party Chair Jay Jacobs, state support for local “off-year” races is too expensive, so it’s up to county-level volunteers to shoulder that responsibility.
As a state committee member and Otsego Democratic County chair, I see the writing on the wall. Come 2028, when our state party fails to offer a coherent vision in (another) post-Trump world and still neglects its electoral bench, New York is doomed to repeat its 2022 failures and become a national political narrative again — for all the wrong reasons.
As a locally elected party leader, and a New York Democratic voter, I’m done waiting for Jacobs to finally step up to the task that lies before him. That’s why I’m running to be the next New York State Democratic Committee chair.
I am challenging Jacobs because the premise that New York cannot afford year-round coordinated organizing — something states like North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Washington manage effectively — is simply incorrect. As a professional fundraiser, I know how to build sustainable financial support. Crucially, I also understand the necessity of transparent spending, ensuring that every donor, from $5 to $1 million, can clearly see the tangible impact of their investment.
The vision and willpower to build a year-round professional organization already exist within our State Committee. We have a network of more than 400 proven community activists — unpaid, duly elected State Committee members. Yet, under current leadership, our role is largely reduced to convening twice a year to rubber-stamp an existing top-down agenda.
Occasionally, resolutions are permitted — bestowed almost as gifts — yet genuine follow-through remains rare. Simple structural improvements, like a formal orientation for new members are neglected while leadership prioritizes hoarding power over party building.
It is time for an accountable leader to guide our party into its next chapter. Voters want a party that genuinely values their voices and backs the candidates they select. County leaders need real, tangible organizing support in red and purple districts, and the national party needs New York to halt its slide toward becoming a swing state.
Consider Otsego County as a model. Under my leadership we steadily expanded Democratic voter registration, established robust fundraising, and invested directly in supporting local candidates. As a result, we came within two votes of flipping our county board in 2025 for the first time. This progress stems from empowering a team to innovate, build infrastructure, and take true ownership of the work — a model I will implement statewide.
I know this campaign carries risks. Colleagues note that challenging established state leadership can be politically daunting. But our party cannot afford to keep being led by a man who sees politics as a pastime to build his own personal power. We need a party leader, not a party boss.
With your State Committee members’ vote on Oct. 1, I will be your new party leader, but you will be the change our party needs.
Ogden chairs the Otsego Democratic Committee and is running to be state Democratic Committee chair.