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FRANKFORT, KY - The College Democrats of Kentucky (CDKY) is a student-led statewide organization that empowers college students across the Commonwealth to embrace progressive values and engage in political activism year-round. From College Democrats of Kentucky President, Conner Brumley, 

“President Trump’s illegal Executive Order dismantling the Department of Education is a betrayal of America’s students, educators, and working families. This isn’t just an attack on a government agency, it’s an attack on every child who relies on public schools, every teacher who fights to make a difference, and every family that dreams of a better future for their kids.

I know because I’ve lived it only part of it. I’m the son of a public school educator whose now a principal of a Title I school. I was raised in classrooms, surrounded by teachers who stretched every dollar, who sacrificed their own time and money to make sure students had what they needed. I attended public schools my entire life, in a state where funding was already too tight, where we continue to fight tooth and nail just to give students with any backpack of experiences a fighting chance. I was the kid with disability accommodations, something that wouldn’t have been possible without federal protections. All of this, absolutely thrown in the trash by Trump’s decision. 

Without the Department of Education, millions of students will be left behind. Schools will lose critical federal funding that ensures students in rural and low-income communities have access to quality teachers, textbooks, and even basic infrastructure. Special education services, which are already stretched thin, will be devastated. College affordability will plummet as financial aid programs collapse. Protections in K-12 and higher education for disabled students, for students of color, for LGBTQ+ students - gone.

Kentucky knows better. We showed that last November when all one hundred and twenty counties voted down Amendment Two, which was an attempt from the same party supporting the dismantling of the Department of Education to take public dollars away from our public schools. And now, Kentucky deserves better. Public schools are the backbone of our communities, the heart of small towns and big cities alike. When our schools succeed, our economy grows, our communities thrive, and our students are given the tools they need to build a future. 

The College Democrats of Kentucky will not stand by while Trump tries to destroy the future of millions of students. We will fight back at every level. We will mobilize, organize, and ensure that every Kentuckian knows what’s at stake. And when Election Day comes, we’ll remind Donald Trump, and anyone who stands to go against our education system. Because this ain’t right.”

Conner Brumley

Conner Brumley

President, College Democrats of Kentucky

FRANKFORT, KY - Following Pete Hegseth's confirmation as our new Secretary of Defense, the College Democrats of Kentucky are both disgusted and disappointed. 

Our organization deeply values equality and respect, two attributes that Hegseth fails to encompass on a daily basis. While Hegseth agrees with us that he's "not perfect," we feel as though a much deeper explanation is needed when faced with allegations of sexual assault and alcohol dependency. We feel it is the bare minimum, asking that our Secretary of Defense, chief defense policymaker and advisor, know the difference between the words "yes" and "no." 

If one is able to look past these concerning allegations, as our Vice President and half of the Senate were able to so easily do, Hegseth's blatant disrespect of our female veterans should serve as an additional deterrent. Rarely do we find ourselves in agreement with Senator Mitch McConnell, however, even he was able to register that these qualities do not make for a national leader, and certainly not a good man. 

His character has no place in the Office of Defense, and certainly not in the head seat. We can only hope that, in the future, our public officials keep their constituents in mind, rather than allowing one of the most critical positions of leadership in our country to be tainted with unnecessary party politics, criminal accusations, and irresponsibility.

College Democrats of Kentucky 24/25 Executive Board

President Conner Brumley | Vice President Anna Robinson

Development & Membership Director Sawyer Noe | Political Affairs Director Nicholas Hazelett

Communications Director Hannah Hash | Programs Director Hagan O'Daniel | Financial Director Gabriel Reed

FRANKFORT, KY - In light of the recent KSVT lawsuit against the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the College Democrats of Kentucky stand in full support of the Kentucky students who are fighting for the quality of our public education. CDKY commends these students as young changemakers who are seeking reform from the courts, not just their representatives. 

The people of Kentucky have made it clear, time and time again, that public education is the foundation of our Commonwealth. Our students are our future. We've collectively pushed aside partisan politics at ballot boxes and demonstrations, fighting for public dollars to remain in public schools, all because we know that a core part of our state rests in the classroom. 

Yet, we see legislators continuing to use politics as a means of dividing these essential educational institutions, using any means necessary to dismantle our vision of a statewide, quality education. One that is available to every student. 

It cannot stand any longer.

College Democrats of Kentucky 24/25 Executive Board

President Conner Brumley | Vice President Anna Robinson

Development & Membership Director Sawyer Noe | Political Affairs Director Nicholas Hazelett

Communications Director Hannah Hash | Programs Director Hagan O'Daniel | Financial Director Gabriel Reed

FRANKFORT, KY - Jimmy Carter, our longest-living Chief Executive, has sadly passed away at one hundred years old. Our organization wants to extend our condolences to the Carter family during this time for their loss, and honor the incredible legacy he is now leaving behind.

President Carter was wholly devoted to public service, peace, and humanitarianism, even following his time in the Oval Office. Nowhere is this more evident than in his accomplishments in policy and diplomacy. As both President and the founder of The Carter Center, President Carter was able to establish a national Department of Education, eradicate the deadly Guinea Worm Disease in Africa, promote affordable housing through Habitats for Humanity, and speak out against global human rights violations within the United Nations.

Our country has lost a leader today, not only of great accomplishment but of upstanding character. While our organization seeks to embody the best qualities of the Democratic Party, President Carter truly championed them, showcasing unwavering selflessness, patriotism, and a devotion to collective growth across the world. Our organization can only hope to be half the party representative President Carter was. May he rest in peace.

College Democrats of Kentucky 24/25 Executive Board

President Conner Brumley | Vice President Anna Robinson

Development & Membership Director Sawyer Noe | Political Affairs Director Nicholas Hazelett

Communications Director Hannah Hash | Programs Director Hagan O'Daniel | Financial Director Gabriel Reed

FRANKFORT, KY—The College Democrats of Kentucky (CDKY) is a student-led statewide organization that empowers college students across the Commonwealth to embrace progressive values and engage in political activism year-round. From College Democrats of Kentucky President, Conner Brumley,

“Hope. One hundred and seven days ago, hope was at the forefront of America’s mind when Kamala Harris decided to run for President. In those 107 days, Kamala Harris, Tim Walz, and Democratic parties and candidates across the nation showed what happens when people come together to fight for a brighter future. They led a movement that inspired millions and reminded us of the power of resilience.

The election outcome isn’t what we fought for. We have elected a President with whom we fundamentally disagree and believe is unfit to serve. Yet, in a democracy, we respect the results and move forward. A different vision may have won, but our mission endures. We are still fighting—for our values, our generation, and the generations that follow. That being said, Democrats still can be proud of their effort and successes we did have.

In Kentucky, College Democrats like Ian VanSteenbergh in Midway and Nicholas Hazelett in Paintsville defied local status quos, winning races that demonstrate the strength of Democratic values at every level. Together, we mobilized thousands of voters and defeated Amendment Two, reaffirming that public funds belong in public schools. We supported outstanding leaders like Pamela Goodwine who is the now the first black female Supreme Court Justice of Kentucky, and Adam Moore, Rachel Roarx, Erika Hancock, Matt Lehman, and many others who carried our shared ideals forward, securing victories that we will build upon in the years to come. But I’d be remiss to say otherwise: Democrats have a lot of work to do.

People everywhere are feeling uncertain, fear, anger, disappointment, frustration, sadness, and I am right there with you. There are difficult questions ahead and no easy answers as we enter a new era. Yet, as we face uncertainty, we at the College Democrats of Kentucky are committed to standing firm in our ideals, pushing for a Kentucky—and a nation—that values and represents all people, especially young people.

America’s strength lies in its democratic values. Even in challenging times, those values compel us to act. Our fight for a fair, just society doesn’t end with a single election; it’s a journey. We will keep organizing, advocating, and standing up for our communities.

As we look to the future, let our commitment to the common good fuel us and remind us of what’s possible. Together, we’ll shape a world that reflects our hopes, step by step. The work is hard, but the journey is worth it. I ask that you join us in that journey and let’s get back to work.

Conner Brumley

Conner Brumley

President, College Democrats of Kentucky

FRANKFORT, KY - The College Democrats of Kentucky (CDKY) is a student-led statewide organization that empowers college students across the Commonwealth to embrace progressive values and engage in political activism year-round.

In light of the Kentucky Democratic Party, Governor Beshear's, and many others' recent calls for Daniel Grossberg's resignation and expulsion from the Kentucky Democratic Caucus, the College Democrats of Kentucky would like to publicly call for Daniel Grossberg's resignation as well.

Well beyond policy, well beyond achievements, the morals and ethics of the Democratic Party do not allow for the shameful type of behavior committed by Grossberg. Our organization and party should be dedicated to fostering a community rooted in equality and respect where no woman should face harassment at the hands of a public servant, especially in her place of work and own community.

If a state representative cannot follow baseline standards for ethical conduct, their position as a public servant and government official must be re-evaluated, and they must be held accountable. Sexual harassment and assault charges are not to be taken lightly, especially when levied against a public official.

Our organization hopes that the Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission and the full extent of the law pursue this investigation not only with fairness and integrity but with evident dedication to the women of Kentucky who have suffered. The people of Kentucky deserve better with leaders who uplift their communities, not those who betray their trust. Grossberg's removal is the first step toward restoring that trust.

College Democrats of Kentucky 24/25 Executive Board

President Conner Brumley | Vice President Anna Robinson

Development & Membership Director Sawyer Noe | Political Affairs Director Nicholas Hazelett

Communications Director Hannah Hash | Programs Director Hagan O'Daniel | Financial Director Gabriel Reed

The College Democrats of Kentucky are deeply troubled and outraged by the recent shooting at President Trump's rally in Pennsylvania. Political violence has no place in our democracy. Our democratic values hinge on the ability to engage in peaceful discourse and resolve differences through dialogue and cooperation, not through violence and intimidation.

As an organization, we are unwavering in our commitment to our ideals and morals. We believe in the paramount importance of upholding democratic principles, respecting the rule of law, and fostering an environment where all voices can be heard.

Despite our political differences, we must prioritize working together in a bipartisan manner to address the pressing issues facing our nation.

We unequivocally condemn political violence in all forms. It is essential that we stand united against such heinous acts, regardless of who the target may be. Our commitment to non-violence and constructive engagement transcends political affiliations and aims to protect the very foundation of our democracy.

We send our heartfelt prayers and thoughts to former President Trump, the Secret Service members, the families of the victims, and all those in attendance. We call on all individuals and organizations to join us in condemning political violence and to promote a culture of respect, understanding, and collaboration. Together, we can ensure that our democratic process remains strong and that our nation and our Commonwealth continue to be places where peaceful dialogue prevails.

College Democrats of Kentucky 24/25 Executive Board

President Conner Brumley | Vice President Anna Robinson

Development & Membership Director Sawyer Noe | Political Affairs Director Nicholas Hazelett

Communications Director Hollie Hagan | Programs Director Hagan O'Daniel | Financial Director Gabriel Reed