The Blue Print Vol. 2
The Blue Print is your weekly update on how the DNC is fighting back against Trump and his allies while working to secure Democratic victories nationwide.
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Last week, Roger Lau was announced as the new Executive Director of the Democratic National Committee. For years, Roger has been a strong advocate for grassroots supporters — he has personally called hundreds of monthly donors and has sent handwritten letters thanking supporters for standing with the DNC. Keep reading to learn more about Roger and his plans to create a more unified Party.
Who is Roger Lau?
Roger Lau is the son of working-class immigrants and grew up in a family that worked hard to build a better future in the United States. After dropping out of school at 13, he realized by 19 that education was his path forward. “I realized I was just squandering this incredible opportunity my parents gave me by coming to America,” he said.
After earning his GED, he then attended the University of Massachusetts and discovered his passion for politics. "I fell in love with politics and government because I realized they have the power to change so many lives,” he said. “Through politics, you can change the future of entire countries, states, cities, neighborhoods, and families. As I thought more about how I wanted to change the world, it became clear to me that the Democratic Party was the party fighting for families like mine, neighborhoods like mine, and kids like me.”
Roger went on to intern for then-Senator John Kerry during his senior year of college. He then worked on several campaigns for U.S. Senate and House races in New England, and served as Deputy State Director in John Kerry’s Senate office, Campaign Manager for Kerry’s 2008 reelection campaign, and in the Commerce Department during the Obama administration. In 2019, Roger became one of the first Asian Americans to run a U.S. presidential campaign when he was named campaign manager for Elizabeth Warren. Since 2021, he has served as the DNC’s Deputy Executive Director.
Roger’s Plan for the DNC
It’s been 50 days since Donald Trump started his second term as president, and he’s already dragging our country backward. As Executive Director, Roger is leading the DNC to work around the clock to fight back.
“I want to make sure that we are communicating a message of fighting for working Americans — people who have to work to raise families, pay bills, and build security for their families,” he said. “It's about every single American who struggles every day to make things work. The way we do that is by building the Democratic Party's ‘tent’ bigger and bigger every single day, not just keeping it as a defined space.”
That “tent” isn’t just a metaphor. It's about creating a space where all Americans — especially those who don’t often feel heard or included — can come together and find their place. “We need everyone to be a part of it, to make it as big as possible. We’ll stitch our Party together, just like our American flag was stitched together. It changes, it grows, and we add to it.”
Building a Grassroots Movement for 2025 and Beyond
We know many people might be feeling frustrated right now. Roger — who spent much of his time as Deputy Executive Director engaging directly with grassroots supporters and building relationships — has heard this frustration firsthand. “People are scared and angry, and rightfully so,” he said. “We need to engage with those who feel left out or voted for Trump because they didn't hear us. It's not just about elections; it's about organizing communities and helping people find the time and space to get involved.”
As we rapidly approach key special elections in states like Wisconsin and Florida, it’s more important than ever that Democrats stay involved.
“Hopefully, we can rack up some wins and build muscle memory as we head to 2026,” Roger said. “We're going to fight every election, whether it's federal, state, or municipal. All these things matter, not just for democracy and the team we're building, but because this is how we develop the muscle to win. You can't do something every two years and expect to be good at it. It takes time, energy, and resources”
Roger Lau 🫱🏼🫲🏾The DNC Store
One role Roger has always held at the DNC is the title of “The DNC Store’s Biggest Fan.” Roger has made numerous merch purchases and isn’t slowing down any time soon. Right now, he says, "the thing I'm most excited about currently in the DNC store are these stickers with President Donald Trump pointing and looking very stern. At the bottom, it says ‘I did that!’ It's a fun way to point out Donald Trump’s failed promise to help Americans lower the cost of groceries, gas, and health care, and we need to hold him accountable.”
“I love merch because I love being able to show my support and pride as a Democrat. If I could, I would wear DNC merch every single day. Unfortunately, I can't wear T-shirts to work. But you know what I can wear every single day? Socks. I bought several pairs of DNC socks with a little donkey logo on them several years ago. I often use them as gifts for friends because who doesn't love fun socks?”
The DNC is a better place because of Roger, and we are so excited to see how the organization will continue to grow under his leadership.
Around HQ
Last week, the DNC Grassroots team welcomed Chair Ken Martin, newly appointed DNC Associate Chair Rep. Joyce Beatty, and Rep. Jim Clyburn to the DNC studio for a virtual briefing with grassroots supporters.
During the call, they addressed how the Party plans to message to voters in red areas, discussed strategies to reach young and Black voters, and shared how Democrats are stepping up to directly challenge Trump and Elon Musk.
Chair Martin, Rep. Beatty, and Rep. Clyburn filming in the DNC studio
Chair Martin concluded the call with a powerful affirmation he first heard from his mentor, Paul D. Wellstone: "You can remake the world daily." While Democrats in Washington, D.C. and across the country are taking a stand against Trump and his allies, it’s up to all of us to take action in our communities.
If you missed last week’s virtual call, don’t worry. Another one is already in the works, so please keep an eye out for an email invite!
This Week’s Call to Action
Tell your Republican senator NO to Trump’s tax scam
Senate and House Republicans are moving forward with their budget resolution that will put Medicaid and SNAP benefits on the chopping block to pay for Donald Trump’s tax handouts for billionaires and mega corporations.
These cuts would have devastating consequences for Americans across the country, stripping lifesaving health care access from millions — while threatening nursing homes, health clinics and hospitals — and leaving working families unable to put food on the table.
Call your Republican senator NOW and tell them you are outraged, and you believe in health care over billionaire handouts. If you don’t live in a state with a Republican senator, we hope you’ll share this resources with friends and loved ones in states with Republican leadership.
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Best,
Maya
