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Yale College Democrats elect Riley Getchell as new president amid rising political tensions

A 20-year-old Yale student takes the helm of a key political group at a pivotal moment. Can her grassroots vision reshape student activism before the midterms?

In this image there are group of girls running on the ground. All the girls are wearing the badge...
In this image there are group of girls running on the ground. All the girls are wearing the badge to there dress. In the background there are trees.

Yale College Democrats elect Riley Getchell as new president amid rising political tensions

Riley Getchell ’27 has been elected president of the Yale College Democrats. She won the leadership role with 60.3% of the vote, stepping up at a time of growing political division. Her plans include expanding grassroots efforts and increasing student engagement in local and national campaigns.

Getchell previously worked as the organisation’s election updates coordinator. Her experience and focus on grassroots organising helped secure her victory. Fellow member Julia Murphy ’27 supported her, citing Getchell’s strong advocacy for Democratic candidates.

As president, she will oversee 11 board members and manage the group’s four branches. Her priorities include more frequent canvassing trips and semester-long internships with New Haven City Hall. She aims to build the largest student-led grassroots movement in the Northeast during the midterms.

Getchell’s approach reflects her belief in strengthening the democracy from the ground up. She hopes to pursue a career in state or federal government before attending law school. Her long-term goal is to specialise in education law.

Getchell takes charge amid heightened political tensions following Donald Trump’s election. Her plans for increased canvassing and advocacy could reshape student involvement in the region. The organisation now prepares for a more active role in upcoming elections.

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