The Lafayette College Democrats have returned to campus, reviving an organization that dissolved soon after the 2024 election and a time of intense political activity. In its comeback campaign, the club has hosted multiple candidates running to represent the Lehigh Valley in Congress in an on-campus “Meet the Candidate” series.
“After the last election, the campus was completely silent when I expected the opposite,” said Isabella Tang ‘26, the club’s vice president. “There was a lack of political representation from either side.”
Spurred on by this inactivity, Tang and Lucy Parry ‘26, president of the club, convened to rekindle the Lafayette College Democrats, rewriting its constitution and holding general elections to create the board. The goal of the organization, according to Parry, was to fulfill two objectives, the first being “channelling frustration into real action — hearing from candidates, signing petitions, calling your senators.”
Parry continued that the other goal “is that some people just want a community with people who have the same values and think similarly to them.”
Tang explained that it was important for the club to foster a “space where there can be open dialogue and support.” The two leaders added that they were confident in the younger board members’ ability to maintain the organization after they graduate.
The club invited all six of the candidates campaigning for the May primary spot to talk policy and answer questions, beginning with Ryan Croswell last week, and Bob Brooks on Wednesday.
At the event with Brooks, the hour-long meeting was split into 30 minutes of questions from the Lafayette College Democrats leadership and 30 minutes of crowd questions, with around 20 students in attendance. Students were able to ask Brooks about policies he had advocated for and any concerns they had about his stances through a Google Form sent out in the organization’s GroupMe.
“With this current political climate, people have a lot of questions, and this is an opportunity for people to connect with actual politicians,” Communications Director Sofie Nordstrom ‘29 said.
Board members stated that networking with the candidates was of great importance. Prior to restarting the club, Tang had served as an intern for Carol Obando-Derstine, the next candidate to attend the “Meet the Candidate” series on March 4.
“It’s a great opportunity for internships,” said Programming Director Henry Rudman ‘28. “Lafayette Dems is not just politics; we’re also offering outside opportunities.”
Brooks spent much of the event highlighting the need for affordable housing and reducing the cost of Medicaid. After his speech, several students approached him and his campaign advisor to ask about internships. Rudman added that he received similar opportunities at the end of the last candidate event with Croswell.
In order to keep momentum rolling throughout the summer, Rudman wanted to “encourage students to get involved in their local elections.”
“I really have no doubt that Laf Dems will thrive next year,” Parry said. “Everyone is so committed to the cause, and I wasn’t able to say that a few months ago.”