Dear Young Democrats,
My name is Codi Vierra (she/hers), Vice President of Membership of the California Young Democrats and President of San Diego County Young Democrats, and I am running for President of CYD!
I have spent years serving in roles within the California Young Democrats (CYD) and the San Diego community, always working to ensure that young people's voices are heard in the political process. I know firsthand the barriers we face, and I’ve dedicated my work to breaking those barriers—not just for myself but for all of us.
In my time working in politics, I’ve prioritized creating opportunities for young people to be taken seriously and to lead on issues that matter. I’ve fought to make our voices impossible to ignore. As President of the San Diego County Young Democrats (SDCYD), I led our club to become one of the largest and most effective in the region, proving that young people are not just the future of the Democratic Party—we are its present.
Our organizing efforts during my tenure helped secure critical victories across San Diego County for Young Democrats and our allies. These wins are helping to advance our progressive values and show that when young people lead, we deliver results.
Through several leadership roles within CYD, I’ve worked directly with clubs to ensure that they have the resources and support to thrive. I’ve mentored leaders, strengthened connections, and empowered Young Democrats to build a CYD that reflects our shared commitment to equity, justice, and inclusion. Now, I’m ready to take my leadership to the next level and lead CYD with integrity, transparency, and a true focus on service.
Many Young Democrats dedicate our time and energy to this work as volunteers, without compensation. The CYD President has always served in a volunteer capacity. However, the contract approved last year, the first of its kind, established a $72,000 annual salary for the President—an amount that exceeds what most of us, myself included, earn in our day jobs. If elected, I will not renew this contract. Instead, I will return the presidency to its volunteer roots and focus on fundraising to support club development and reduce participation costs so that CYD is accessible to all.
My commitments to you are clear:
I will amplify the power and influence of Young Democrats across the state.
I will fight to make sure young people’s voices are heard and valued at every level of our Party.
I will work tirelessly to revitalize, strengthen, and grow CYD into an organization that reflects the best of what we stand for.
I will not run for office or for an officer position on the California Democratic Party.
My focus will be on strengthening our organization and preparing CYD to mobilize ahead of the 2026 midterm elections so that we can take our country back.
The challenges ahead are significant, but I believe in our power to rise above them. The 2024 election losses were devastating, but it also showed us the work we still need to do. Young people have always been at the forefront of progress, and now more than ever, our voices must be heard.
Let’s RISE, CYD. Together, we will Rebuild, Invest, Strengthen, and Empower. We will organize, strategize, and mobilize to build a stronger, more inclusive, and more impactful organization.
I am formally requesting your endorsement. Join this fight with me and RISE, CYD.
I will be rolling out a more detailed platform in the coming days and announcing my slate. These highly experienced individuals come from all corners of California and represent the diversity of our organization. I look forward to introducing them to you (though many of them need no introduction!)
Please stay tuned for further updates! If you would like to discuss your priorities or have any questions for me, please feel free to email me at risecyd@gmail.com. I look forward to the opportunity to participate in your chapter’s endorsement consideration process and have more conversations with your members about the future of CYD.
In solidarity,
Codi Vierra