After being elected in May 2023, Manik Elahi serves as the Chair of the New York State Young Democrats Asian American & Pacific Islander Caucus. In this role, he leads the organizational outreach of NYSYD to AAPI communities.
As an immigrant, the value of effective representation in the governmental and political process is a core value in his work. Manik truly believes that the Democratic Party can institutionally deliver sustainable and effective solutions to the issues of the working people of this country.
Professionally, Manik serves as Outreach Manager to U.S. Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), where he spearheads the external and community relations for the Congressman. Prior to this, Manik served in various public service roles at the New York State Senate, Office of Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul, and the State University of New York.
Manik is a proud product of public higher education, being an alumnus of the University at Albany, and Hudson Valley Community College.
Coming soon.
Brandon Gonzalez (he/him) is a senior at SUNY New Paltz majoring in Political Science. Brandon has experience in political campaigning, legislation, and organizing. Brandon serves as the Political Director for the New Paltz College Democrats and volunteers with the Ulster County Democratic Party. He has also worked in Albany as an Assembly session intern for Assemblymember Chris Eachus (Assembly 99th district) during the 2023 legislative session. During the 2022 elections, Brandon worked as a working fellow for Pat Ryan’s congressional campaign (NY-18). Brandon has a deep passion for getting Gen-Z invested in their democracy and is excited to serve as President of CDNY.
Seamus Campbell is a native Brooklynite who currently serves as NYSYD Disability Issues Caucus Chair and YDA Technology Support Coordinator. Seamus began his tenure in the Young Democrats by co-founding the current iteration of the Brooklyn Young Democrats and serving as its founding Secretary. Since then, he has served in various state and national Young Democrats positions including New York State Young Democrats (NYSYD) Deputy Director of Communications, NYSYD Press Secretary YDA Northeast Regional Communications Director YDA Disability Issues Caucus Treasurer, and NYSYD Disability Issues Caucus Chair (for three non-consecutive terms), YDA Disability Issues Caucus Chair. He has also served as Webmaster of the New York State Democratic Committee and a delegate to the 2012 Democratic National Convention. Seamus is also a member of the Kings County Democratic Committee, from the 52nd Assembly District – which consistently has the highest voter turnout in the state – and is a board member of the Democratic club for the district – the Independent Neighborhood Democrats.
Seamus has worked for numerous candidates and elected officials, as a web programmer and communications consultant, including former Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, State Senate and Assembly candidate Jason Otaño, Orangetown Receiver of Taxes and Town Council Candidate Christopher Smith, State Senator Roxanne Persaud, Brooklyn District Attorney candidate Anne Swern, Democratic State Committeeman and New York City Council candidate Kevin Peter Carroll, and (most recently) State Senate candidate Mike Corbett. Seamus works full-time as the Website Coordinator at The City College of New York where he has developed a sub-specialty in developing websites and digital content that are accessible for persons with disabilities.
In 2010, Seamus was named a “Hero of Reform” by Bill Samuels, founder of the New Roosevelt Initiative and EffectiveNY; and, in 2012, he was named a “Buffoon of the Week” by the Brooklyn GOP.
Seamus holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Science from Fordham University and a master’s degree in Political Management from The George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management, where he is a member of the Golden Key honor society and the National Society of Leadership and Success.
Coming Soon.
Gabriella A. Romero represents the 6th Ward, which encompasses the Park South, Hudson/Park, Center Square, and Washington Park neighborhoods. She is the first Latina to represent the 6th Ward, and the first public defender to serve on Albany’s Common Council. She is so proud to be Latinx Chair for the New York State Young Democrats.
Gabriella was born in the City of Albany, graduated from Union College in 2014, and Albany Law School in 2018. Gabriella works as a public defender in Albany County where she serves as a felony trial attorney, representing clients in misdemeanor and felony criminal cases. This work allows her to understand the criminalization of poverty, food insecurity/housing insecurity and exposes her to the programming in need of reform. Gabriella’s goal in the Common Council is to pass legislation and create programs that improve our city, and create a government that works for all residents, not just the wealthy or well-connected.
She is an advocate for her community on the issues of tenant rights, criminal justice reform, youth advocacy, environmental conservation, and food apartheid.
Gabriella A. Romero representa el Distrito Electoral No. 6 que abarca los vecindarios de Park South, Hudson / Park, Center Square y Washington Park. Ella es la primera latina en representar al Distrito 6 y la primera defensora pública en servir en el Consejo Común de Albany. Está muy orgullosa de ser la Presidenta del Caucus Latinx dentro de los Jóvenes Demócratas del Estado de Nueva York.
Gabriella nació en la ciudad de Albany, se graduó de Union College en 2014 y de la Facultad de Derecho de Albany en 2018. Gabriella trabaja como defensora pública en el condado de Albany, donde se desempeña como abogada litigante de delitos graves, representando a clientes en casos penales de delitos menores y graves. Este trabajo le permite comprender la criminalización de la pobreza, la inseguridad alimentaria / inseguridad habitacional y la expone a la programación que necesita reforma. El objetivo de Gabriella en el Consejo Común es aprobar legislación y crear programas que mejoren nuestra ciudad y crear un gobierno que funcione para todos los residentes, no solo para los ricos o bien conectados.
Ella es una defensora de su comunidad en los temas de derechos de los inquilinos, reforma de la justicia penal, defensa de los jóvenes, conservación del medio ambiente y apartheid alimentario.
Jared Goerke is deeply committed to activism, embodying a spirit of service and dedication that permeates his varied endeavors. Currently, Jared’s focus lies on navigating the intricate landscape of political campaigns in Nassau County, where he tirelessly works towards effecting positive change. Simultaneously, Jared lends his efforts to the Scott J. Beigel Memorial Fund, a cause that resonates deeply with his values and convictions.
In addition to his political engagements, Jared serves as a distinguished member of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Board of Education. His outstanding public service has been duly recognized by the New York State School Boards Association, earning him accolades for his contributions to education and community welfare.
Moreover, Jared is resolute in his commitment to leveraging his role as Jewish Caucus Chair to confront and combat antisemitism in all its manifestations. He fervently believes in amplifying Jewish voices within the Democratic Party, advocating for inclusivity and representation at every turn.
With a steadfast belief in the power of grassroots activism, Jared remains deeply entrenched in the local political landscape, driven by an unwavering dedication to community-driven change. His tireless efforts are a testament to his enduring commitment to building a brighter future for all.
Through his multifaceted pursuits, from political campaigns to educational leadership and advocacy within the Jewish Caucus, Jared epitomizes the spirit of meaningful activism and dedicated service to his community.
Rachel Bruce is a young professional, public servant, community activist, and Democratic strategist born and raised in the Hudson Valley. She currently serves as Chair of the Labor Caucus for New York State Young Democrats.
The daughter of two union members, Rachel developed an early passion for public service and improving her community. She currently works in state government and previously served as Policy Advisor for Economic Development and Housing under the Executive Chamber where she oversaw and carried out major economic development initiatives under the Governor’s Office, authored State of the State policy, and helped draft the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection act of 2019. Within NYSYD, Rachel also serves as Vice Chair of the Women’s Caucus and at home serves as Policy Chair of the Young Democrats of Orange County, which she co-founded and helped recharter in 2021.
Rachel has served on various local, state, and federal campaigns including as a volunteer regional organizer for Bernie Sanders’ 2016 campaign as well as Social Media Director and Internship Coordinator for Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick’s 2020 campaign. She has also served as a longtime intern and volunteer for Senator James Skoufis. She is a member of the Orange County Democratic Party’s Executive Committee as well as her town’s Democratic committee. She is heavily involved causes surrounding environmental protection, transportation access, land preservation, the arts, and sustainability, serving as Co-Chair of her Village’s Land Preservation Committee.
Rachel is a 2018 graduate of Bryn Mawr College where she majored in the Growth and Structure of Cities and was elected to the highest level of her college’s Self-Government Association. She is currently pursuing her Master of City Planning at the University of Pennsylvania where she is concentrating in Community and Economic Development. In her free time, she enjoys playing and performing music, cooking, drawing, and biking with friends and family.
Coming soon.
Paxton Honerkamp happily serves as the elected Rural Caucus Chair of the NYSYD. Hailing from Orange County, NY where he also serves as the elected Vice President of the Orange County Chapter of the NYSYD, Paxton knows the value of presenting a strong voice for rural communities within the Democratic Party. He strives to ensure that rural communities concerns are represented, addressed, and integrated into the party’s policy agenda. He is devoted to advocating for legislation and representatives that address the specific challenges faced by rural communities including access to healthcare, economic opportunities, infrastructure development, education, and agricultural issues.
Paxton’s initial involvement in government began during 2020 when he served as a volunteer for the Biden/Harris Victory 2020 campaign helping to stimulate voter turnout. That same year he went on to volunteer for the Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff campaigns. These experiences served as a catapult for further political involvement, and he enthusiastically continued this work in local, state, and federal government. His extensive background in public service includes experience working in the offices of State Senators Peter Harckham and James Skoufis as well as former Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney. Additionally, Paxton has worked for the esteemed Hudson Valley Area Labor Federation, and he is a proud labor advocate. He continues to work in the sphere of public service offices to this date.
A committed citizen working toward the improvement of his local and regional communities, Paxton has volunteered and fundraised for numerous organizations throughout Orange County, NY. As Rural Caucus Chair, Paxton looks forward to amplifying the voices of rural area residents and championing their unique needs and concerns.
Martha Mahoney, Esq., currently serves as Chief of Staff and Counsel to NYS Assemblymember Patricia Fahy (D-109). She previously served as Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Albany, where she advised on quality of life matters, such as land use, zoning, and community development, as well as real property transactions. A resident of the City of Albany, Martha is an alumna of both Albany Law School and the University at Albany.