History of Young County Democratic Association

The YCDA began as the Young County Chapter of the Texas Democratic Women, in 1997.

Founding members included the first officers of the organization: Betty Richie, President, Sandra Peavy, Vice President, Secretary, JoAnn Crum, Treasurer, Kay Hardin

Other notable charter members included Boyd Richie, the late Ken Andrews, Carolyn Collins, Betty Grubbs, Ann Hall, Dorothy Lane, Teresa Matney, Allen McCleskey, Judy Mersiovsky, Betty Montgomery, and Joann Pettus.

A major focus in recent years is the Democratic Scholarship Fund, which grants awards each year to three high school seniors, one each from Olney, Graham and Newcastle. Among the current members who are instrumental in administering and funding this award program are Linda and Mike Neal, Fran Edens, MaryAnn Copas, Teresa and Junior Matney, Jessica McDowell, and Allen McCleskey.

Even though she’s moved from Young Co., Betty Richie, Rural Caucus Chair of the DNC remains the political north star and a valued mentor for the members of the YCDA.

The bi-annual Beans N Jeans Picnic fundraiser at Fort Belknap has become a tradition for the YCDA. It’s held in late summer or early fall in every even numbered year. Young County Democrats have hosted numerous statewide and regional candidates at the event over the years.

In 2017 and 2018, the YCDA hosted town halls or other events for numerous Democratic candidates including: Beto O’Rourke, Kim Olson, Mike Collier, Miguel Levario, Kevin Lopez, Roman McAllen, Joi Chevalier, Delonia Watson, Dan Epstein

Young County Democrats remain committed to the basic issues confronting all Texans and all Americans, whether it be protection of health care for persons with pre-existing conditions, the survival of rural hospitals and health care availability for women, properly funded public education, the care of the environment and a national response to climate change, universal background checks for all gun sales, and the guarantee of a secure and fair election process, or any of the other pressing issues of the day.

The next meeting will be held Tuesday, October 14 at North Central Texas College at 928 Cherry St. in Graham, Texas. the meeting will begin at 7 p.m. and is open to everyone.