Shawnee County Young Democrats

The Young Democrats of America have been around since the 1930s, and the Shawnee County Young Democrats have been active off and on throughout the years. The current incarnation of the chapter has been active since it's revival in 2011, with a brief pause during the pandemic.

The Shawnee County Young Democrats are a chapter chartered and registered through the Kansas Young Democrats, who represent Young Democrats in the State Democratic Party. Our local chapter is a caucus of the Shawnee County Democratic Party in addition to being a chartered chapter of KYD.

Meet Our Officers

President

Lucas Ryan

I grew up in Topeka and love calling it home. My wife and I met here and have 2 cats, 2 dogs, and a baby on the way.

I've run for Topeka City Council, was a top ten finisher for the Top Tank business pitch competition, and served on the Strengthening Police and Community Partnerships council for the city.

I've been active in politics since 2018, when I first put my name forward to replace then Gov. Elect Laura Kelly in the State Senate, and have worked on multilple campaigns, volunteered, and engaged the community in a variety of ways since.

Vice President

Bridget King

Along with being the Vice-President of the Shawnee County Young Democrats, Bridget is also a Big with Big Brothers and Big Sisters, the State Committee Delegate for the Disability Caucus with Kansas Democrats, and a non-traditional student at Washburn University.

At Washburn, Bridget is working towards a Bachelor’s in Social Work with minors in African American and African Diaspora Studies and Women and Gender Studies. Bridget’s wants and plans to continue reflecting & evolving to be a safe person but also a brave advocate for systemic changes in the Topeka Community.

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Treasurer

William Naeger

William has served as Treasurer for the Shawnee County Young Democrats since 2023. A Topeka native, he is a graduate of Kansas State University as well as Washburn University.

He has experience in campaigning that spans door knocking, finance, policy development, and campaign management. Now working in government, William hopes to continue his part in making positive change in Kansas.

Secretary

Jonathan Smith

I’m a truck driver as my career, and have been for over 7 years now. I have two preteen kids and a beautiful wife. I don’t have a lot of time to give after my family and job, but I still find the time to give as much as I can.

I’ve managed and won a Topeka City Council race. I’ve been door to door canvassing a handful of times, enough to know how best to communicate a message at the doorstep of a voter. I’ve given public comment in front of the Shawnee County Commission, as well as testimony for bills at the legislature.