Delaware Democratic Party announces new Executive Director, Deputy Director

Delaware Democratic Party announces new Executive Director, Deputy Director

Delaware Democratic Party Chairman Erik Raser-Schramm announced Monday that Jesse Chadderdon has been selected as the new Executive Director of the State Party. In addition, Travis Williams will serve as Deputy Director of the Party.

A Delaware native, Chadderdon, 36, has worked as the Director of Communications for the Delaware Senate Majority Caucus since November 2014. After a decade-long career in journalism, he joined U.S. Sen. Chris Coons’ 2014 re-election campaign as Press Secretary.

Raser-Schramm and Chadderdon have worked closely together in strategic roles on multiple campaigns, including February’s high-profile special election of Stephanie Hansen. Hansen’s landslide victory shocked political observers, preserved the Democratic majority in the Delaware State Senate and garnered national attention as the first “swing” election since President Trump won the White House.

“After considering a deep pool of tremendous candidates, I am thrilled Jesse has agreed to play a leading role in the day-to-day operations of our Party,” Raser-Schramm said. “We have a tremendous working relationship, and I know Jesse’s unique combination of management experience, strategic thinking, political instincts, and messaging talents will serve our Party well, and will help us share our vision and values with Delawareans up and down our state.”  

“We have a chance over the next several years to reaffirm that the values of the Delaware Democratic Party are the same as those shared by Delaware families across our state. We believe in an economy that works for every Delawarean and making sure our state remains a welcoming and inclusive place to live, work, and raise a family,” said Gov. John Carney. “I’m excited about the new talent we’re seeing across our Party – from leadership on down. And I’m confident that, working with our new chairman, Jesse will help us continue to connect our vision of shared prosperity with citizens and families across Delaware.”

After several years as a political reporter, Chadderdon closed out his career in journalism as the Executive Director of the GateHouse Delaware family of weekly newspapers, where he gained valuable management experience and a close understanding of communities across the state.

Jane Hovington, who chairs the Sussex County Democratic Committee, said that experience should help the Party find newfound success downstate.

“The Sussex County Democratic Committee is excited to get to work with Erik and Jesse on affirming what we all truly believe – that Democrats can and will win more elections in this part of the state,” Hovington said. “I am excited for the promise of a more robust presence in our communities, and am confident Jesse and Erik will truly help us strengthen the Party here.”

“I am honored to have the extraordinary responsibility of working alongside Erik, Governor Carney, the Executive Committee and everyone that makes up our Party to ensure we are successful over the next two cycles,” Chadderdon said. “With hard work, a commitment to inclusivity, and a willingness to talk – and more importantly listen – to Delawareans all across our state, we can grow our Party, win elections, and most significantly forge new opportunity for the people of our great state.”

Chadderdon, who begins on August 1, is a 1999 graduate of McKean High School, and graduated from Temple University in 2003, where he studied journalism and political science. He lives in Bellefonte with his wife, Katie.

In addition to the Executive Director hire, Raser-Schramm announced that Travis R. Williams has been named Deputy Director after serving as Acting Executive Director since March. Among his many duties will be managing the Party’s voter file and data systems.

Williams joined the Party as the Communications Coordinator in 2015 after working on Matt Denn’s successful Attorney General campaign. He helped lead the delegate selection process for the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia and was instrumental in organizing the State Party Convention in June.

A Middletown High School and University of Delaware graduate, Williams, 25, said he’s excited for his expanded role within the Party.

“As a lifelong Delawarean who has committed my professional life to the Party, I am confident we can continue to achieve great things for our state,” said Williams. “I’m excited to work closely with our new team to really hit the ground running heading into 2018.”