J The Jefferson Parish Democratic Executive Committee (JPDEC) has elected Raven Lyons of Harvey to serve as chair of the group.
Also elected was Trey Mustian of Jefferson to 1st vice chair/candidate endorsements, a role Lyons had held before briefly serving as interim chair. Lyons and Mustian will serve until April, when officers will be elected for the 2024-25 term.
“My No. 1 goal for JPDEC is to inspire and lead others to make actionable change in our community and our state,” Lyons says. “Jefferson Parish is one of the most vibrant parishes. I want JPDEC to lead the charge in being one of the most proactive, influential DPECs in the state of Louisiana -- helping bring respect to the Democratic Party while serving the people of our parish with integrity.”
Lyons succeeds James C. Simmons, who resigned as chair after taking a civic administrative job that restricts political activities. Lyons is a physical therapist assistant at Ochsner Health and advocates for her profession as a local representative for the Louisiana Physical Therapy Association. “I’m a champion,” she says, “of empathy, advocacy and empowerment.”
Lyons is not new to politics – she’s the daughter of Statehouse District 87 Rep. Rodney Lyons, who is also a member of JPDEC.
“To be a 31-year-old Democrat leading this group is an amazing thing, and an honor to succeed those who left big shoes to fill,” Lyons says. “I want others my age to see that it’s cool to be informed and involved. And I want those who’ve been paving the way to know that all the hard work is not lost and wasn’t in vain.”
Lyons recently announced that the Jefferson Parish Democrats will sponsor a JPDEC & Friends Candidate Mixer featuring elected officials and Democratic candidates for state office -- including Dustin Granger for treasurer, Gwen Collins-Greenup for secretary of state and incumbent Statehouse District 105 Rep. Mack Cormier of Belle Chasse.
The informal mixer is 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8, at the River Shack, 714 1st St., Gretna. Light food will be provided, and other menu items and drinks will be available to purchase. Lyons says it’s a great chance for people to connect personally with Democratic candidates.
“We’re all in this together,” Lyons says. “As long as we can count on one another, we’ll be successful.”