Every year during our Holiday Party, we take the time to recognize local civic leaders for their contributions to our organization and community. The 34th District Democrats is a member- and volunteer-driven organization, so it’s our members and volunteers who make us strong. Running an organization like ours takes thousands of volunteer hours and it’s important we recognize the people who make it happen.

Beginning in September of each year, our Chair forms an ad hoc Awards Committee led by two Executive Board members and invites members to participate. This committee receives nominations from members and selects the winners from the list of nominees ahead of the Holiday Party. If you would like to serve on the Awards Committee, please email the Chair at chair@34dems.org.

Our Awards

Rising Star of the Year: Awarded to a member of less than three years displaying outstanding leadership, quantifiable contributions, or accomplishing a significant and specific achievement.
Jackie Dupras Award for Member of the Year: Awarded to an active member displaying outstanding leadership, quantifiable contributions, or accomplishing a significant and specific achievement.
Precinct Leader of the Year: Awarded to an active Precinct Leader who exceptionally performs the duties of their position or otherwise exceeds the expectations of someone in their role.
Committee or Caucus of the Year: Awarded to an active Committee or Caucus Chair who exceptionally performs the duties of their position or otherwise exceeds the expectations of someone in their role.
Executive Board Member of the Year: Awarded to an active Executive Board member displaying outstanding leadership, quantifiable contributions, or accomplishing a significant and specific achievement.
Elected Official of the Year: Awarded to an elected official providing exceptional service to our community.
Cherisse Luxa Award for Lifetime Achievement: Awarded to a person making sustained, impactful contributions throughout their career or lifetime.

Nominations Will Open September 2026

Past Winners

Jackie Dupras: Member of the Year

2025 — Jonathan Herman
2024 — Karin Engstrom
2023 — Carla Rogers
2022 — Carla Rogers
2021 — Carla Rogers
2020 — Nick Bonazza
2019 — Colleen Hinton
2018 — Steve Butts
2017 —
2016 — Ted Barker
2015 —
2014 — Chris Porter
2013 — Maria Ramirez
2012 — Carol Frillman
2011 — Tamsen Spengler
2010 — Karl De Jong

Precinct Leader of the Year

2025 —
2024 — Heather Engel
2023 — Nick Bonazza
2022 — Steve Rubicz
2021 — Colleen Hinton
2020 — Janine Anzalota
2019 —
2018 — Ivan Weiss
2017 — Annie Phillips
2016 — Bunny Hatcher
2015 —
2014 — Chris Weiss
2013 — Cecilia Palao-Vargas
2012 — Martha Koester
2011 —
2010 —

Committee or Caucus of the Year

2025 — Resolutions & Endorsements
2024 — Programs & Community Partnerships
2023 — Communications & Technology
2022 — Environment, Energy, & Land Use
2021 — Environment, Energy, & Land Use
2020 — Precinct Leadership
2019 — Precinct Leadership
2018 — Outreach & Visibility
2017 — Outreach & Visibility
2016 — Caucus & Elections
2015 —
2014 — Precinct Leadership
2013 — Special Financial Review
2012 — Outreach & Visibility
2011 — Diversity Committee
2010 —

Board Member of the Year

2025 — Rachel Glass
2024 — Bunny Hatcher
2023 — Graham Murphy
2022 — Julie Whitaker
2021 — Rachel Glass & Bunny Hatcher
2020 —
2019 — Carla Rogers
2018 — Gina Topp
2017 — Carrie Alexander & David Ginsberg
2016 — Steve Butts
2015 —
2014 — Kathryn Sprigg
2013 — Karen Chilcutt
2012 — Tim Nuse
2011 — Marcee Stone-Vekich
2010 — Les Treall

Elected Official of the Year

2025 — Gina Topp, Seattle School Board
2024 — Pramila Jayapal, US Congress
2023 — Joe McDermott, County Council
2022 — Eileen Cody, State Representative
2021 — Dow Constantine, County Executive
2020 — Joe Fitzgibbon, State Rep. No. 2
2019 — Jimmy Matta, Mayor of Burien
2018 — Sharon Nelson, State Senator
2017 — Eileen Cody, State Rep. No. 1
2016 —
2015 —
2014 —
2013 —
2012 —
2011 —
2010 —

Cherisse Luxa: Lifetime Achievement

2025 — Leslie Harris
2024 —
2023 —
2022 — Bunny Hatcher
2021 — Annie Phillips
2020 — Chris Porter
2019 — Steve Butts
2018 — Lisa Plymate
2017 — Les Treall
2016 — Marcee Stone-Vekich
2015 —
2014 — Georgette Valle
2013 — Bill Schier
2012 — Bruce Stotler
2011 — Jackie Dupras
2010 — Ann Martin