After serving as Chairman of the DeKalb County Democratic Party for the last six years, Jordan Wilkins has decided not to seek another term.

Wilkins, who is completing his third term, passed the gavel to his successor Billie Ann Tubbs-Trigueros on Saturday, August 28 at the bi-annual re-organizational convention at the DeKalb County High School.

After the meeting was called to order Chair Wilkins read a prepared statement to the body announcing his decision for the first time. “I want to begin by thanking everyone that has attended our convention this morning. Over the past six years it has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve as Chair of the DeKalb County Democratic Party. I have enjoyed it and I have made many friends during this time.”

“Some of our party’s accomplishments during my time as Chair include creating new bylaw requirements to ensure that every county commission district had equal gender representation on the executive committee. But we didn’t stop there, we expanded the executive committee to include someone from each precinct and included ethno-racial diversity to ensure that every group in this county has a voice at our leadership table.”

“I had the privilege of recommending four different women to serve on the DeKalb County Election Commission: Mrs. Jackie Smith, the first African American to serve as commissioner, Mrs. Lisa Peterson, a former Administrator of Elections, Mrs. Kim Luton, a lifelong party member, and Mrs. Yvette Carver, the first person from the Alexandria community to serve as commissioner. These appointments were instrumental in their own way and I am proud of the work each of them has done to represent our party.”

“Last but not least I am extremely proud of the diverse range of progressive candidates we have recruited to run for office over the years. Before I became involved there was only one Democratic woman serving locally in elected office. Now we have had two Aldermen, two school board members, and eight county commissioners. I am so thankful to everyone who has stepped up over the years and volunteered their time to help elect Democrats.”

“Being Chair of a political party is very time intensive. I have always tried to make all Democrats feel welcome and involve as many people in party activities as possible. Today begins a new era for DeKalb County Democrats. I am very optimistic about the future of the party and I look forward to assisting party leaders in an advisory role as they work to elect progressive champions up and down the ballot. A lot has changed during the past eight months of my life and it has come to a point in my life where I must focus more of my attention on my career. After much thought I have decided that I will not seek re-election today. I will continue to be very much involved with the Democratic Party as I will be seeking re-election this fall as Chairman of the Tennessee Democratic County Chairs Association, which allows me a seat on the Tennessee Democratic Party State Executive Committee. I appreciate all the support I have received over the years and I hope that support continues for our new Chair.”

Tubbs-Trigueros’ election is historic becoming the first African American to Chair a political party in DeKalb County. In January, Tennessee Democrats elected Hendrell Remus as the first African American to Chair a state political party. Remus was the keynote speaker at the bi-annual re-organizational convention on Saturday.

Meanwhile in addition to Chair Tubbs-Trigueros, others elected to positions on the Executive Committee for 2021-2023 are as follows:

Vice Chair- Harry Lasser

Secretary- Carolyn Hawkins

Treasurer- Lynn Hardiman

1st District- male position vacancy and Donna Davis

2nd District- Jonathan Bradley and Nora Harvey

3rd District- Jack Barton and Tammy George

4th District- Shane Brock and Eileen Stuber

5th District- Darren Dilligard and JoAnne Williams

6th District- Gary Prater and female position vacancy

7th District- Bill Luton and Amanda Blair

Additional Precinct Chairs may be appointed by the Executive Committee this fall after redistricting is completed.