DFLA Calls on DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison to Resign
Refusal to Include Pro-Life Democrats in Big Tent Cited as Key Reason
Tuesday, February 1, 2022 – Democrats for Life of America (DLFA) calls on Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Jaime Harrison to resign. He has refused to meet with pro-life Democratic elected officials and party activists.
“Today marks 10 months and 20 days of DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison refusing to meet,” said Jess Meeth, Communications Director of DFLA. “With Democrats facing challenging mid-term elections, now is not the time to exclude and allienate Democratic allies.”
On March 12 at 10:48 AM, DFLA requested a meeting with Harrison. DFLA continued to follow-up at least once a month with no commitment to meet. A rally for diversity and inclusion was held by DFLA outside the DNC headquarters on Tuesday, November 30. DFLA shared its seven demands for the DNC. A DNC staff member, Kimberly Duffy, came outside to receive the letter for Jaime Harrison.
“We were pleased that the DNC responded with an offer to meet with DNC’s Women’s Coalition Director, Gabriela Cristobal, for Wednesday, January 5th at 11:30 AM,” added Ms. Meeth. “However, the extension of good will and communication ended quickly.”
On the morning of Wednesday, January 5th at 9:18 AM, DFLA’s Executive Director, Kristen Day, sent an e-mail to Gabriela and Brencia Berry, DNC’s Director of Coalitions & Community Engagement, saying that she was looking forward to the conversation. But at 10:04 AM, Gabriela reached out about re-scheduling the meeting, citing “shifts in our day and not being able to make the scheduled time.” Ms. Day immediately e-mailed back about finding a new day and time. DFLA continued to request a new meeting, but the DNC still has not replied.
“Instead of encouraging a broad spectrum of views, there is clearly a top-down problem within the DNC that encourages discriminatory policies against Democrats who oppose abortion,” explained Day. “Jaimee Harrison is the first DNC Chairman who has refused to meet with pro-life Democrats. He has escalated the trajectory of shunning and excluding pro-life Democrats,” she stated. “We need new leadership to build a stronger and inclusive Party.”
According to a 2021 Gallup poll, 26% of Democrats identify as being “pro-life,” up from 24% in 2020. A 2021 Knights of Columbus/Marist poll found that 31% of Democrats oppose using taxpayer dollars for abortions. Over the past ten years, Democrats have had a net loss of state house and senate elected officials in a majority of states. In six states, Democrats have lost 60% of their members.
“Democrats are facing a challenging mid-term election after losing Virginia to the GOP and decreased numbers in New Jersey,” elaborated Ms. Day. “Every Democrat, whether a candidate or a voter, must be welcomed to bring their honest views on abortion, and we need a Chairman who will make that clear if we are going to stave off major defeats in 2022.”
