Established in 2015

About LYD

Our Story

Louisville Young Democrats started after community members saw a need to encourage young voters to become more involved in politics.

We believe young voters are the next generation of leaders and many of the issues being discussed today, like the climate crisis and universal healthcare, directly affect us most over the course of our lifetimes.

By becoming active in politics, we can ensure we have a future we can look forward to. This includes good-paying jobs, affordable healthcare and so much more.

Who We Serve

We’re advocates and promoters of the Democratic Party’s message and values to young voters in Jefferson County.

As a completely volunteer-led organization, Louisville Young Democrats mobilizes young people under the age of 40 to participate in the electoral process to elect Democrats.

As the next generation of leaders, we shape the future of the Democratic Party, advocate for progressive issues and train the next generation of progressive leaders.

Our Impact

Louisville Young Democrats has had an outsized effect on our city and state over the years. Instead of just creating a bold vision for progressive change then waiting our turn, LYD members are actively involved in the political process in a wide variety of ways.

Our members are working on campaigns, lobbying, working inside the government and sitting on Democratic boards. Some LYD members have even went on to hold public office.

I'm frequently asked what it means to be the youngest female state representative in Kentucky's history. It means I have a unique opportunity to add a different perspective to the conversations we have in Frankfort. It's important that all age groups are represented in our political systems and elected offices. As Young Dems, we can lead our state in a new direction—where all people are represented in our political spaces and elected offices.
Headshot for Democratic Kentucky State Representative Rachel Roarx.
Rep. Rachel Roarx
KY State Representative, House District 38

A Message from our President

Hi everyone, my name is Hallie, and I’m the President of the Louisville Young Democrats. I am so proud and excited of all of the amazing work our team has done this year to get more young democrats engaged in Louisville politics. I'm always thrilled to welcome everyone who’s new and happy to chat with anyone about ways to get involved. As young Democrats, we are not just the future—we are the present. We’re the candidates, the campaign workers, the political organizers, and the driving force behind progressive change in our community. It’s crucial that we step into the political process now, working together across all parts of the progressive spectrum, because when we unite around our common goals, protecting our communities, advancing progressive policies, and empowering the people, we keep our democracy vibrant and alive. Remember: the possibilities are endless when we come together. Let’s make a difference right here with the Louisville Young Democrats! Fill out our membership form to get involved!
Hallie Rice
President

Our Leadership

Executive Board

Hallie Rice

President

Janice Dean

Vice President

Genevive Holtsclaw

Director of Outreach

Hagan O'Daniel

Membership Chair

Owen Cardwell-Copenhefer

Treasurer

IMG_3830 2 - Riley Buckingham

Riley Buckingham

Director of Communications

Spencer Adkins

At-Large

Deric Senecal

At-Large

LYD provides young people with a platform to create real political change. Together, Louisville Young Democrats can make a difference in their communities, support young candidates, and build a network that will support them when they run for office and win!
Headshot for Logan Gatti.
Logan Gatti
President (2017-2018), Louisville Young Democrats
President, Louisville Democratic Party

Join the Movement

Wanting to get involved in the political process and push for progressive change? Join Louisville Young Democrats today.

Deric Senecal

President

Deric serves as the President of the Louisville Young Democrats, leading efforts to engage and empower young voices in politics. Since joining the organization in 2019, Deric has advocated for progressive policies and supported Democratic candidates in Louisville and Kentucky.

Beyond politics, Deric is an Eagle Scout and a recipient of the Gold Congressional Award, demonstrating a strong commitment to leadership, service, and personal development, with a passion for community involvement and youth empowerment.

VP of Advocacy

Deric Senecal

VP of Membership & Outreach

Deric is the VP of membership and outreach on this year’s LYD board. Deric is originally from Simpsonville, Kentucky, and moved to Louisville, Kentucky, in 2020. Deric graduated from Indiana University Southeast in Political Science with a minor in Pre-Law. Deric likes to better his community, as he has been involved with the Boy Scouts of America and the Congressional award.

VP of Recruitment

Michael Graton

VP of Finance

Michael grew up in Louisville and has worked around the country in various roles for public and private sector organizations including Louisville Metro Government, the Kentucky House of Representatives, private healthcare companies, and partisan, non-partisan, and issue-oriented campaigns.

Michael has experience in publishing, federal compliance work, media relations, campaign management. Currently, he assists all aspects of our firm to ensure that we continue to develop our approach to client support.

Caroline Thomas

VP of Communications

Caroline is a recent graduate of the University of Louisville, and works at GE Appliances in Louisville, KY. She is a native of Bardstown, KY, and has been involved in politics since high school. Caroline was a fellow at Flytedesk, where she worked on several different social media campaigns – John Fetterman election, Planned Parenthood, Adobe, Quizlet, and many more.

In her spare time, Caroline enjoys spending time with family and friends, walking with her dog, and traveling. 

Owen Cardwell-Copenhefer

VP of Procedure

Owen entered politics in 2016 as an organizer for Hillary Clinton. Since then he has served in a variety of roles including Secretary-Treasurer for the Lewiston City Democratic Committee, Secretary for the Androscoggin County Democratic Committee, and as a member of the Maine Democratic State Committee. In 2018 he was finance director for Zak Ringelstein’s US Senate campaign. Recently he served as campaign manager for Jason Paul’s 2025 campaign for DNC Chair.

Outside of politics, Owen has a Bachelor’s in Political Science from Bates College and a Master’s of Business Analytics from the University of Louisville.

Kassie Byers

VP of Public Issues

Kassie was born and raised North Carolina, and moved to Louisville in 2019. She is new to the LYD Board and is a passionate advocate for progressive policies and building a better future for our nations youth. Kassie works for Norton Children’s Hospital as a dedicated Neonatal Intensive Care nurse with a passion for public health initiatives and education.

Beyond her professional and political work, she is a proud parent of four children — two biological and two bonus — and shares her home with two adorable Pembroke Welsh Corgis.  With a deep commitment to service, both in healthcare and civic duties, Kassie strives to make a meaningful impact in her community.

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