Dear Friend,
I recently had the pleasure of supporting Delegate Matt Schindler at his fundraiser. Observing Delegate Shindler’s diligent work in the House of Delegates makes it clear we have the right person representing Hagerstown in Annapolis. He is engaged, knowledgeable and truly listens to the concerns of his constituents. We can take pride in the leadership he brings to our community. Delegate Schindler’s interview with Susan Hale Thomas (link below) will give you an idea of what I observed.
The threats to our democratic values aren’t just far away—they’re here at home. MAGA extremists are pushing their agenda into our school system, attacking free speech and even welcoming ICE into Washington County. What happens locally will shape the future of Washington County. This is why it is essential to elect Democrats up and down the ballot—from the Washington County School Board to the Maryland State House.
All of this takes resources. I am asking you to contribute whatever you can to help fund a 2026 headquarters office where all Democratic candidates can meet with volunteers, stuff envelopes and coordinate efforts with other candidates and organizations.
Every contribution—large and small—makes a difference. Click here to donate.
Thank you for standing with us and please forward this to a friend or family member who may be interested.
Angela Batista (she/her)
Chair, Washington County Democratic Central Committee
If you want to go fast go alone. If you want to go far go together.
– African Proverb
Individible’s Hagerstown Labor Day & NO KINGS 2 Rallies
By Cathy Poropatic
- Trump Has Encouraged Freeloaders, Made it More Difficult to Enforce Collective Bargaining Agreements, Silenced Workers and Restricted the Freedom to Join Unions
- Trump Has Restricted Overtime Pay, Opposed Wage Increases, and Gutted Health and Safety Protections
- Trump Has Encouraged Outsourcing and Offshoring
- Trump Is the Biggest Union-Buster In U.S. History
- Trump Orders Stripped Nearly Half A Million Federal Workers Of Union Rights
- Appeals Court Allows Trump’s Anti-Union Order to Take Effect
These are the headlines that drew 150 people to the Hagerstown’s Public Square, September 1st, for the Labor Day #WorkersOverBillionaires Rally.
In addition to Indivisible’s Eric Swartz, speakers included Carol Mowen, president of the Washington County Teachers Association; Chip Cook, president of the Central MD AFL-CIO Council; and Stewart
Acuff, former special assistant to the president of the AFL-CIO. They each spoke of the importance unions had in the establishment of workers’ rights and the continued need for unions today.
A heartening trend of the Hagerstown rallies is the participation of the senior population down to the young children of concerned parents. It seems, sadly, we are all being affected by the news coming out of Washington, DC but with a show of solidarity we find strength in our very public display of activism.
The Labor Day rally was just one of many organized by Washington County Indivisible that have drawn hundreds of opponents of Trump’s policies that cater to his billionaire cronies at the expense of average Americans.
Indivisible is organizing “NO KINGS 2” on Saturday, October 18, which aspires to be the largest nationwide protest in history. The first NO KINGS rally drew 800 patriots to downtown Hagerstown.
If you would like to play a role in this, especially organizing supporting demonstrations on that day, email Washington County Indivisible for meeting date, time, and Zoom link.
Register to march on Mobilize at www.mobilize.us/mayday/event/842730.
Candidate Profile: Delegate Matt Schindler
by Susan Hale Thomas
I recently sat down with Delegate Matt Schindler (Dem-02B/Washington) and his family to discuss how he came to be dedicated to public service. He cited his interest in improving our community for his own son and others. Watch the full interview here.
Matt was appointed in January to fill Del. Brooke Grossman’s seat. He is a former member of the Hagerstown City Council. Matt is a graduate of North Hagerstown High, Hagerstown Community College and the University of Maryland Global Campus.
He has held jobs in computer networks and cyber security for banks and financial institutions. Matt is an active volunteer in Washington County organizations, including Friends of Safe Place, Main Street Hagerstown and Hagerstown Federal Little League.
…when I adopted my son, something in me snapped and I realized that I have to get more involved. I had to be the change I wanted to see instead of being an armchair critic. I needed to actually get involved and try to make the changes I wanted to see for him…
In Annapolis, Matt serves on the House Appropriations Committee and has championed more than $64 million in projects that benefit residents of Hagerstown and Washington County including I-81 improvements, the Hagerstown Visitors Center and others.
Matt is one of only three General Assembly Democrats who represent districts that typically give Democrats a slim margin:
Del. Brian Crosby (Dem-29B/St. Mary’s)…54% typical Dem vote
Sen. Mary-Dulany James (Dem-34/Harford)…53% typical Dem vote
Del. Matthew Schindler (Dem-02B/Washington)…55% typical Dem vote
Republicans have Matt in their sights. Thomas Stolz, who lost his 2022 GOP primary bid, has already filed for a second try.
Dems Listen: Party Chair’s Talk-Back Tour in Hagerstown
By Bianca Pierre, WCDCC Member
The Maryland Democratic Party’s Talk-Back Tour stopped in Hagerstown Saturday, September 6. In coordination with the Washington County Democratic Central Committee, MD DEMS Chairman Steuart Pittman opened the session by polling attendees on what their greatest concerns are and what the party should be doing to support Democratic candidates.
What followed was an open forum and unfiltered and honest conversations about necessary changes needed in the Democratic Party. The Washington County community responded with great feedback, helpful ideas, and thoughtful concerns. Many wise words were shared, as we anticipate great action to follow.
WCDCC agrees with Governor Wes Moore, who stated, “The future of our party depends on organizing everywhere and listening to people on the ground.” It is important for Democrats in Washington County to know that we are not only listening, but prepared to engage with voters and potential voters.
Thanks to all who attended and made this event a success. Let’s not end the conversation here! Please stay connected with us on our various social media platforms. We invite you to join us for our monthly meetings, the second Thursday of each month at the Washington County Public Library.
We are committed to continuing this effort to challenge our ideas and grow stronger with our community. For any questions, feedback, or concerns, please email info@wcdccmd.com
What’s Coming Up
Thu, Sep 25 | WCDCC annual dinner | POSTPONED UNTIL 2026/DETAILS TO COME
Thu, Sep 25 | WCDCC Voices & Views: American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins | Baile Cask & Kettle | 6 PM
Thu, Sep 25 | League of Women Voters’ Redistricting, Representation & Reform | Jeovanni’s, Boonsboro | 5 PM
Fri, Sep 26 | Indivisible’s Rush Hour Resistance I-70 banner protest | US-40 Trailhead Parking | 4:15-6 PM
Sat, Sep 27 | We Are Indivisible Celebration! (FREE) | City Park Bandshell | Noon-2 PM
Thu, Sep 25 | WCDCC Voices & Views: American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
Wed, Oct 8 | United Democrats monthly meeting | Washington County Free Library | 5:30 PM
Thu, Oct 9 | WCDCC Monthly Meeting | Washington County Library | 6 PM
Fri, Oct 10 | Indivisible’s Rush Hour Resistance I-70 banner protest | US-40 Trailhead Parking | 4:15-6 PM
Sat, Oct 18 | NO KINGS Nationwide Day of Defiance | Downtown Hagerstown | 1-3 PM
Thu, Oct 30 | WCDCC Voices & Views: Being Heumann by Heumann & Joiner | Baile Cask & Kettle | 6 PM
Thu, Nov 13 | WCDCC Monthly Meeting | Washington County Library | 6 PM
Thu, Nov 20 | WCDCC Voices & Views: The Woman by Kristin Hannah | Baile Cask & Kettle | 6 PM
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