David joined fellow Virginia Young Democrats at their annual statewide convention in Richmond today, where he was invited to introduce the keynote speaker, State Sen. Creigh Deeds, at the convention banquet.
“It’s always terrific to see so many young people organizing to fight for progress,” said David. “It gives me great hope for the future.”
At age 31, David is the youngest Democrat currently serving in the General Assembly. During his introductory remarks, David urged his fellow Young Democrats to stand up and be heard, “Because when young people stand up we can change the course of history.”
“Two hundred years ago, a young Virginian named Thomas Jefferson stood up and got himself elected to the House of Burgesses at age 26,” said David. “When he was just 33 years old, that Young Democrat wrote the Declaration of Independence and changed our country forever. When Martin Luther King led the Montgomery Bus Boycott, he was just 26 years old, and when he stood at Lincoln’s feet and preached ‘I Have a Dream’ he was a young man of 33. If you have ideas and energy and passion, and are willing to work hard, never let anyone tell you you’re too young to make a difference.”
David introduced the keynote speaker, former Democratic candidate for attorney general State Sen. Creigh Deeds, noting his distinguished career in public service as an attorney, a member of the House of Delegates, and as a member of the Virginia Senate. David also congratulated Deeds on his donkey, Harry S. Truman (pictured above), being named earlier in the day as the official mascot of the Virginia Young Democrats.
Other business at the convention included the election of the Virginia Young Democrats’ statewide leadership team. Dominic Gabello was re-elected president, and Shayna was elected the executive vice president of the Virginia Young Democrats.
“I share Dominic and Shayna’s vision for building and organizing Young Democrats in Virginia as a political force to be reckoned with,” said David. “Congratulations to all of the newly elected leaders of the Virginia Young Democrats. I’m confident that together we can bring hope and progress to Virginia.”
