Young Democrats Of America Convention Underway In Indianapolis

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INDIANAPOLIS – The four-day Young Democrats of America convention is underway in Indianapolis.

Democrats under 35 will strategize in breakout sessions and hear from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and three presidential candidates: South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, and two who have yet to qualify for a debate — Massachusetts Congressman Seth Moulton and Miramar, Florida, Mayor Wayne Messam.

Indiana Democratic Chairman John Zody, who once was president of Indiana Young Democrats, told delegates they’re not the party’s future but its present:

The four-day conference includes the youngest of the presidential candidates — 37-year-old Buttigieg — and the even younger representatives of the oldest. Two 18-year-olds are leading the mostly Twitter-based campaign of 88-year-old former Alaska Senator Mike Gravel (gruh-VELL). Carmel State Senator J-D Ford and Dyer State Representative Chris Chyung are also among the speakers.

Former Indiana Young Democrats president John Zody, now Indiana’s state party chairman, told attendees from 47 states and territories they’re not just the party’s future, but its present, with many, like Chyung and Ford, already running for or holding office, and others serving as staffers.