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Concord, NH -- Joanne Dowdell, DNC At-Large member and recently appointed member of the powerful Rules and Bylaws committee joined Adam Sexton on WMUR’s close up to discuss her recent appointment. Dowdell is the first woman of color to represent New Hampshire on the Rules and Bylaws Committee for the DNC, and only African American for the four early states.
Upon her historic appointment to the DNCs rules and bylaws committee, Dowdell released the following statement:
“I am so honored to have the confidence of President Biden and DNC Chair Jaime Harrison to be nominated and continue to serve as an At-Large member of the DNC. It is an even greater honor to have been asked to serve on the Rules and Bylaws Committee representing New Hampshire. As the only African American from the four early states to serve on the RBC, I am awed by the great responsibility I will have.
The New Hampshire Democratic Party truly represents the essence of what it means to have a "big tent" point of view. No matter your age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religious beliefs, all are welcome. The New Hampshire Democratic Party has given me and so many others the chance to engage in the political process in ways I never thought possible.
It is my background, my experiences, and passion for fighting for New Hampshire that I will bring to the Rules and Bylaws Committee and to conversations about the presidential nominating process. People often don't notice that our Primary helps elevate and empower diverse voices, but make no mistake I won’t let anyone overlook the important work that happens here. New Hampshire has proven time and again that we take our role as first in the nation seriously and anyone can come here and get a fair shake. There is no doubt that it will continue in 2024 and beyond.”
NHDP Chair Ray Buckley also released a statement upon Dowdell’s appointment:
“These outstanding appointments by Chair Jaime Harrison are great news for New Hampshire Democrats and our state as a whole. The reappointment of Joanne Dowdell to a fourth term as a DNC At-Large member is a testament to the outstanding job that Joanne has done representing the Granite State on the DNC. Joanne's historic additional appointment to the Rules and Bylaws Committee as the first African American to represent New Hampshire and the only African American member from the four early states will allow the voice of diverse communities in our state and others to be heard. Senator Martha Fuller Clark will continue to be a champion for New Hampshire progressives with her reappointment to the Resolutions Committee. And, I am honored to have been asked to serve on the Credentials Committee and put my years of experience to work ensuring the fair and equitable treatment of grassroots DNC Members.
These appointments show the confidence that Chairman Harrison and President Biden have placed in New Hampshire’s DNC Delegation. Along with our committee persons Senator Donna Soucy and William Shaheen, this is the team that will protect New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation primary and ensure the values of Granite Staters are heard throughout our party.”