On The Record: Stephanie Leavitt

For this episode of On The Record, we speak with Stephanie Leavitt, Deputy Primary Director for the Texas Democratic Party.

What was your personal progression from the role of activist to Deputy Primary Director?

I started as a volunteer for Governor Janet Napolitano’s (D-AZ) first gubernatorial bid in Arizona prior to attending law school. The experience of working for Governor Napolitano transformed my career aspirations and solidified my interest in working in the public service arena.

While attending Baylor Law, I secured my first paid position with Chet Edwards’ 2004 congressional campaign. After graduating from law school, the personal and professional network I developed from working for Representative Edwards led me to Austin, where I gained invaluable political experience working for the State Party and at the Capitol during the 2007 session.

After finishing the session, I returned to the State Party to assist with the primaries and the Texas delegate selection plan.

How do state politics affect your neighborhood?

Most critically, the public policy implemented at the state level affects access to higher education. The saying about education being the great equalizer is one I truly believe in - and it concerns me greatly to see legislation passed which increases tuition costs and restricts the ability of talented and motivated students to attend our colleges and universities.

It is an alarming trend, and one I am confident Democrats can reverse when more are elected to the Texas Legislature.

Who are some of your political heroes?

Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, MLK, Pete Laney, Jimmy Carter, Representative Chet Edwards and Democratic staffers for campaigns and elected officials are political heroes of mine.

What are you looking forward to in the coming cycle?

I am looking forward to the state and national conventions and taking back the White House.

What would you say the political breakdown of your family is? Is it mostly Democratic or are you somewhat unique?

I come from a long line of conservatives. I am one of the very few Dems in my family, although I am working on that.

What advice would you give to young people just getting into politics?

Find mentors who will help you network and share their expertise with you.

Do everything you can to become invaluable to the cause/candidate you work for - the more you know about all areas of politics - for example, fundraising, campaigning, effective political communication – the better you’ll be at your job, which will translate into more opportunities for you professionally.

Work hard and develop a reputation as a reliable, effective and well informed staffer – there is a small pool of Democrats from which to draw talent (although that is changing) and if you’re known for quality work, that reputation will open many doors.

Tell us a little bit about being the Deputy Primary Director for the Texas Democratic Party, and what roles you feel like you fulfill, official or otherwise.

As the Deputy Primary Director, I work on candidate filings in terms of accepting the filings and reporting the results, answer questions regarding the administration of the primaries and coordinate the distribution of the convention packets to the County Chairs.

I also conduct delegate selection trainings throughout Texas, which helps Democratic newcomers and activists alike learn the process to become a delegate to the national convention.