WASHINGTON, D.C. – Democratic National Committee Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz today announced veteran Democratic Party operative Raul Alvillar, as the DNC’s new National Political Director.

“We’re thrilled to have Raul joining our team, bringing with him more than a decade of experience on campaigns, in the private sector and in government. His work on everything from legislative outreach to campaigns and LGBT advocacy will be an asset to Democrats at every level,” said DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz. “Together, with the rest of the team at the DNC, we’ll be able to support the President’s legislative agenda and elect Democrats up and down the ballot in 2014 and beyond.”

“I am excited to join the DNC and get to work electing and reelecting Democrats across the country,” Alvillar said. “I look forward to working with our state parties and DNC members to make certain we are providing them the tools they need to ensure that the Democratic Party thrives at all levels.”

“I've worked closely with Raul over the years and have been continually impressed by his leadership, work ethic and political instinct,” said DNC CEO Amy Dacey. “Raul will be an invaluable resource to our team at the DNC and Democrats across the country.”

Alvillar has worked for President Obama in a variety of roles since 2007. He comes to the DNC after serving as Senior Advisor to Secretary Shaun Donovan in the Office of Public Engagement and Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). 
           
Prior to his position at HUD, Raul was Associate Director at the Office of Public Engagement for the White House Office of the Vice President, where he worked closely with elected officials, stakeholders and members of the administration.  He also served as Deputy National Political Director at Senator John Kerry's Keeping America's Promise PAC and as Political Director and Regional Field Director on the John Kerry 2004 Presidential campaign.

Congressman Xavier Becerra (CA-34), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus added, “Raul is a strong ally for Democrats everywhere and I'm proud to call him a friend. At a time when the stakes could not be higher for working families in America, I am confident that Raul brings the experience and dedication to promote the President's agenda and propel Democrats to victory in November.”

“Raul is a real star in the Democratic world.  He worked for me during the Kerry for President Campaign and showed great skill and political judgment.  The DNC is lucky to have him,” said Democratic strategist Steven Elmendorf.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’ll be sharing thoughts from Democratic leaders throughout March. I started things off by reflecting on my inspirations and what I’ve learned from the women around me.

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1. What woman inspired you?

I was inspired by my mom and my grandma who instilled in me as early as I can remember that I could grow up and be anything I wanted to be. They lead by example, balancing work and family and giving me the values that helped me understand that because we were fortunate, it was our responsibility to give back to the community.

2. Why are you a Democrat?

I am a Democrat because the Democratic Party stands for inclusion, equality, and opportunity and that means empowerment for all Americans to achieve anything they can dream, if they work hard and play by the rules. I’m a Democrat because I believe that government can be part of the solution and isn’t all of the problem.

3. What advice would you give your younger self?

I would advise my younger self not to sweat the small stuff, to not put off for tomorrow what can be done today and to remember to be a sister to other women because helping others succeed helps all women succeed.

Name: Debbie Wasserman Schultz

State: Florida

In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’ll be sharing thoughts from Democratic leaders throughout March. I started things off by reflecting on my inspirations and what I’ve learned from the women around me.

1. What woman inspired you?

I was inspired by my mom and my grandma who instilled in me as early as I can remember that I could grow up and be anything I wanted to be. They lead by example, balancing work and family and giving me the values that helped me understand that because we were fortunate, it was our responsibility to give back to the community.

2. Why are you a Democrat?

I am a Democrat because the Democratic Party stands for inclusion, equality, and opportunity and that means empowerment for all Americans to achieve anything they can dream, if they work hard and play by the rules. I’m a Democrat because I believe that government can be part of the solution and isn’t all of the problem.

3. What advice would you give your younger self?

I would advise my younger self not to sweat the small stuff, to not put off for tomorrow what can be done today and to remember to be a sister to other women because helping others succeed helps all women succeed.

Name: Debbie Wasserman Schultz

State: Florida

Women’s History Month is special to me not just as a woman but as a mother, as a daughter and as a wife. It is inspiring to think how far we’ve come thanks to the women of previous generations on whose shoulders we stand. The suffragists fought for the right to vote and they won it in 1920. Another generation secured the passage of Title IX.

Our generation had cause to celebrate when President Obama signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act in 2009 and when health care reform passed in 2010. Because of the Affordable Care Act, being a woman is no longer a preexisting condition, and women now have access to preventive care like mammograms at no cost.

And yet our generation of women has an opportunity to do even more. I’m proud that the DNC recently launched the Democratic Women’s Alliance to get more women involved in politics, at every level. As the President said in his 2014 State of the Union Address, “When women succeed, America succeeds.” Together, let’s make this year a success for women and for the nation.

Add your name to stand with the President and Democrats fighting for equal pay for women: