When it comes to Democrats in the “T” of Pennsylvania, they are certainly outnumbered by registered Republicans.
So it’s a big deal when nearly 400 Dems from 16 counties in the Keystone State come together in Jefferson County for a weekend devoted to connecting rural PA Democrats.
A yearly weekend-long event, Demstock attracted big Democratic names from around the state, including Sen. John Fetterman, chair of the Pennsylvania Democrats Sen. Sharif Street, and state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta. Statewide judicial candidates Dan McCaffery, Timika Lane and Matt Wolf were also in attendance.
Sen. Bob Casey Jr. was planning to attend before the passing of his mother, while Superior Court candidate Jill Beck fell ill.
The event brings together rural Democrats and provides camping for out-of-town residents, live music, bonfires and a dinner with featured speakers. The event is not static, moving annually to another rural location. Venango County was the host in 2022, while Butler County will welcome Demstock in 2024.
“We want to picture that this event becomes the premier rural event not just in Pennsylvania, but in the country,” said Demstock Committee Chairman Phil Heasley. “This year we didn’t know what to expect, it’s not an off-year election, it’s an odd-year election, and we all know how those go. We sold over 380 tickets for this event.”
Fetterman followed up on his “Every County, Every Vote” campaign in 2022 with a similar message.
“Knowing that your counties will never be blue, but it’s going to turn Pennsylvania blue at the same time though,” he said. “You are the heart and soul of Pennsylvania Democrats, and we can’t be blue statewide if we can’t do your margins in all of your counties and that’s what matters.”
Street focused on the importance of the justice system and the judicial elections happening this year.
“There are no off-years in Pennsylvania politics. Every year is an important year, and there’s some big important things going on in our justice system right now,” Street said.
He said judicial elections represent the last line of defense for a woman’s right to choose, for union workers, for criminal cases to be treated fairly, and for basic democracy.