2026 County Convention Minutes
Johnson County Democratic Party
County Convention
March 7, 2026
Johnson County Public Library, Buffalo WY
Attendees:
Chair acknowledged guest observer from Campbell County Democratic Party, Heidi Kennedy.
Call to Order:
County Chairman, Greg Haas, called the convention to order at 10:03 a.m.
Convention said the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
“Here’s How to Get Involved”- Greg spoke of the many local community-based volunteer activities JCDP members are engaged in, and urged everyone to sign up for our digital newsletters. The end-of-the year newsletter mailed to members summed up our busy year for 2025. Only 6 or 7 were returned due to address problems.
Greg mentioned Democratic Party conventions taking place around the state today and in the weeks ahead.
The Agenda was briefly paused for Laramie County Democrats to greet us by Zoom.
3. Credentials Report
The Credentials Committee reported there were 20 qualified Democrats present and 16 voting members present. Greg explained the role of Precinct Committee people and that they ideally are voted in at the August Primary. They may also be appointed by the county chair. If interested, individuals should contact County Clerk’s office before the May deadline to have name placed on the ballot.
4. Adopt Agendas and Rules
2026 Convention Agenda and Rules were unanimously approved by vote following a motion by Vikki C. seconded by Randy C. Debate limit rules were accepted by unanimous vote following a motion by Randy C. second by Ted L. All agreed to drop the motions and seconds for Chair and Secretary.
5. Convention Officers
Lois P. nominated Greg H. for Convention Chair. There were no other nominations. The Convention members selected Greg H. by voice vote.
Vikki C. was nominated for Convention Secretary. There being no other nominations, Vikki C. was approved by unanimous vote.
Randy C. made a motion to exclude the Sargeant at Arms position from the Convention. Lois P. seconded and there was no discussion. The motion carried.
6. Election of State Convention Delegate and Alternates (5 seats plus 1 alternate)
Greg H. stated that the convention will be in Casper on Saturday, June 6th. The annual Nellie Tayloe dinner will be held that same evening. He suggested we nominate and approve a slate to attend the state convention.
- Greg H. self-nominated and accepted;
- Lois P. nominated Dudley C. who accepted.
- Vikki C. nominated Lois P. who accepted;
- Mary V.A. nominated Mary R. who accepted.
- Lois P. nominated Johns S. who accepted.
- Lois P. nominated Mary V.A. as alternate, she accepted
- Bettina R. self-nominated as alternate and accepted
- Mary V.A. nominated Kim M. who declined;
- Randy C. and Mitch B. declined nominations.
Late arrival of a voting member
Suzi moved that we accept a late voting member to the Convention, increasing the voter count to 17 present. Seconded, and carried by voice vote.
After further requests for nominations, Randy C. made a motion to elect these 5 nominees as delegates with 2 alternates to the State Convention. Mitch B. seconded and the motion passed.
Contact information was collected.
Following a motion by Randy C. seconded by Mitch B., a recess was called. Motion carried. Recess for 15 minutes. Convention invited to partake in the food and drink provided by volunteers.
7. Platform and Resolutions
Kim McC. presented the 2026 Johnson County Democratic Party Platform, acknowledging the hard work of the Platform and Resolutions Committee members to edit the platform from 24 pages to four.
Greg cited three purposes of county party platforms:
- seeds the state party platform
- represents the needs and beliefs of the county Democratic voters
- candidate recruitment
Dudley made a motion to adopt the 2026 document as presented by the Platform Committee Chair. Mitch seconded. Greg asked “Does it closely represent what we or a majority of Johnson County Democrats believe?” The vote to approve the platform was unanimous at 11:23 a.m. The platform will be shared on website and provided upon request.
8. Other Business
Candidate recruitment. Greg said now that we have a new platform it can be shared with potential county candidates. James Byrd is a candidate for U.S. Senate. If a member is interested in serving as a local liaison for planning events for candidates coming to our area contact Greg.
An author, seeking rural residents to interview, contacted Greg H. Let him know if you’re interested in speaking with her.
“No Kings” demonstrations are planned nation-wide for Saturday, March 28th. It was agreed to hold a peaceful demonstration in Buffalo at 11 a.m. Participants who wish to join the Sheridan Democratic Party will be able to travel there by 1 p.m. There will also be participation by the Campbell County Democratic Party in Gillette for the demonstration there being organized by “Indivisible”.
9. CCC March 2026 Business
The Minutes of the February 3rd meeting were accepted. The Treasurer’s report was accepted.
Dudley reported that one application has already been received for the 2026 William D. McIntrye Scholarship, and funds are in place for awarding several scholarships of $500.00 each again this spring. Lois reported that a September 1st , 2026 Film Benefit Night screening of “Truth and Treason” is scheduled at The Buffalo Theater.
The Johnson County Cleark is seeking Election Judges and asks that interested members contact her office as soon as possible to be added to a list of potential judges to be trained to work during for the August Primary Election.
An update on the work of the Mini-Pantry committee was given by Lois.
Randy C. shared that a particular sign printer/manufacturer in Sheridan discounted, by 50%, the cost of the NO MAGA, NO FREEDOM CAUCUS signs he recently purchased.
Members discussed how unaffiliated voters, Independents, and former Republicans, are welcome in the Johnson County Democratic Party.
Announcements
10. Adjourn
Lois made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Randy C. The motion carried and Greg adjourned the meeting at 12:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Vikki Chenette
Convention Secretary