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Rural Democrats, DNC Rural Council
A lone farmhouse with lit windows on the open prairie at dusk

Who we are

A strong, unified voice for rural Democrats

council leaders
12
state affiliates
26
regions
4
A farmer in a straw hat resting his hand on a fence post at the edge of his soybean field

Our mission

We are dedicated to empowering rural communities through organized, accessible, and civic-minded engagement.

We believe rural voices are essential to the Democratic Party and work tirelessly to ensure every rural voter has the tools and support needed to show up and be heard.

Four regions

From every corner of rural America

Regional representatives carry the council’s work across the Eastern, Midwestern, Southern and Western regions.

  • Holstein cows grazing beside a red barn and silo among autumn maples
  • A grain elevator beside a railroad and cornfield under a summer sky
  • A country road lined with moss-draped live oaks leading to a white farmhouse
  • A rancher on horseback moving cattle beneath snow-capped mountains at sunrise

Our leadership

Meet the council

A dedicated team of rural organizers and community leaders working together to ensure every small-town voice is heard.

  • Portrait of Kendall ScudderTX

    Kendall Scudder

    of Texas

    Chairman

  • Portrait of Leon BrathwaiteMA

    Leon Brathwaite

    of Massachusetts

    Vice Chair

  • Portrait of Kerrigan SandersTX

    Kerrigan Sanders

    of Texas

    Vice Chair

  • Portrait of Lucas FralickWY

    Lucas Fralick

    of Wyoming

    Secretary

  • Portrait of Coleman EldridgeKY

    Coleman Eldridge

    of Kentucky

    Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer

  • Portrait of Debra KozikowskiMA

    Debra Kozikowski

    of Massachusetts

    Eastern Representative

  • Portrait of Robert KressleinMD

    Robert Kresslein

    of Maryland

    Eastern Representative

  • Portrait of Julie FryerMN

    Julie Fryer

    of Minnesota

    Midwestern Representative

  • Portrait of Dennis OlsonSD

    Dennis Olson

    of South Dakota

    Midwestern Representative

  • Portrait of Wendy DavisGA

    Wendy Davis

    of Georgia

    Southern Representative

  • Seat currently open

    Vacant

    Southern Representative

  • Portrait of Kim SchmithOR

    Kim Schmith

    of Oregon

    Western Representative

  • Portrait of Brenda KnappAK

    Brenda Knapp

    of Alaska

    Western Representative

Get in touch

Show up and be heard.

Reach out to us with any questions about organizing or rural issues.

Contact the council