Democratic Party Chairwoman Liz Walters on Voter Strategy

An Honorable Profession

In this week's episode, NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with the Chair of the Ohio Democratic Party, Liz Walters. Chair Walters first joined us on An Honorable Profession in 2021, but a lot has happened in Ohio over the last three years, including the state's high-profile abortion ballot measure passed in 2023 and Donald Trump's recent selection of Ohio Senator JD Vance as his running mate. Debbie and Chair Walters discuss Ohio's transition from voting for Obama in 2012 to Trump in 2016, her thoughts on JD Vance as the Vice Presidential nominee, and why unlikely coalitions are the key to success for protecting reproductive rights. They also discuss what Walters sees and feels on the ground in Ohio, and she outlines her three-part strategy for her party heading into November. Tune in to learn more from this engaging conversation.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:05] Introducing Ohio Democratic Party Chairwoman Liz Walters

• [02:37] How the public has responded to Kamala Harris entering the race.

• [04:32] What is necessary for Ohio to do to make sure that Kamala Harris has a majority in congress.

• [06:15] How Ohioans are responding to Trump’s selection of JD Vance as his running mate.

• [08:36] Factors that have turned Ohio from a Blue State into a Red one.

• [13:16] Voter strategy that is rooted in understanding that issues are the same across contexts.

• [16:17] Partisanship in Ohio and the two incumbents for Supreme Court.

• [22:06] Liz’s advice to Democrats in relation to the party neutral nature of the ballot.

• [26:59] Details of the unconstitutional special election in the lead-up to the November election.

• [29:39] Chair Liz’s journey into office through community organization.

• [32:21] How State Parties influence the political ecosystem.

• [34:49] Balancing priorities while working as a local elected official.