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Dear State Central Committee Members —

This past Saturday, I was proud to cast my ballot for Ken Martin as DNC Chair, which once again reaffirmed Minnesota's leadership in the national Democratic movement. Ken's victory is not just a triumph for the Minnesota DFL but also creates an important moment of inflection for our party as Ken transitions off to be a leader for our national party.

This moment demands leadership that can reach across differences, listen to diverse perspectives, and build a party that works for all Minnesotans. As I reflect on the work ahead, I'm excited to announce that I am running to be the next Outreach and Inclusion Officer of the Minnesota DFL.

I am so encouraged to already see so many strong candidates stepping up to run for DFL officer positions—putting your name forward isn’t easy, and I applaud each of them for their willingness to serve. At the same time, a strong and thriving DFL depends on open dialogue and fresh perspectives. It is incumbent on all of us to articulate clear visions for where we go next and ensure that you, as party leaders, have choices and options about who will guide us forward. That’s why I’m running as an independent candidate and commit to doing so—because I believe our party is strongest when we have open, transparent conversations about the future we want to build together.
 

I've had my career organizing, mobilizing, and working to expand access to the Democratic Party—because I know that our strength comes from intentionally building a culture of inclusion. As President of the Minnesota Young DFL (MYDFL) and President of the Young Democrats of America (YDA), I have worked to bring more young people, working-class Minnesotans, and communities of color into the political process. 

As President of YDA, I’ve led a transformational agenda focused on sustainability, financial strength, and enhanced communication. Under my leadership, YDA modernized its governing documents, expanded grassroots engagement, and made national participation more accessible through virtual and hybrid formats. I helped raise over a half a million dollars while launching scholarships to support campaigns and young Democrat chapters across America. I also built YDA’s largest media team, secured national press contacts, amplified local organizing, and led a comprehensive organizational rebrand. This experience in innovation, financial stewardship, and strategic outreach demonstrates that I don’t just talk about inclusion—I put in the work to make it real, and I’m ready to do the same for the Minnesota DFL.

My first elected role within the DFL was as Outreach Officer for MYDFL, and I later served in the same role for Senate District 64 during the pandemic. My work has always centered on ensuring that everyone—regardless of background, language, or identity—feels seen, valued, and empowered within the DFL. But being truly inclusive isn't just about outreach. It's about changing the way we engage, listen, and build power together.
 

As Outreach and Inclusion Officer, I will work to:

 

• Promote a foundation of mutual respect and equip our members with the tools to navigate differences and mitigate conflict in a healthy and constructive way.

• Foster a culture of inclusion by ensuring our party's spaces, conversations, and leadership reflect the full diversity of our state.

• Strengthen relationships with underrepresented communities by meeting people where they are, attending community events, and ensuring their voices shape our party's future.

• Expand accessibility by supporting existing efforts to ensure DFL meetings and materials are available in multiple languages, held in physically accessible spaces, and considerate of cultural and religious observances.

• Partner with community organizations to build coalitions with unions, grassroots groups, and advocacy organizations already serving key constituencies.

• Focus on grassroots organizing and relational outreach, and support local DFL outreach officers to engage voters year-round, not just in election cycles.

• Stronger Coordination with DFL Caucuses by collaborating with all DFL community caucuses to align efforts and ensure meaningful representation across the party.

At a time when many of the communities that make up our coalition are facing increased attacks, it is critical that our party fights back—not just by defending our values but by actively building power in those very communities.
 

From leading MYDFL and YDA to organizing in Minnesota at the local and state levels, I've seen firsthand the difference that intentional, people-centered organizing can make. When we build a culture of inclusion, we don't just grow our party—we empower new leaders, energize our base, and truly create lasting impact.

 

This is the kind of DFL I believe in. If you do, too, I'd like to hear from you about the issues that matter most and how we can work together to make the DFL a home for everyone.

 

Let's connect. Feel free to email me at quentinocama@gmail.com, schedule a one-on-one with me via Calendly (bit.ly/q4dfl25), or visit my campaign site at quentinocama.com to learn more about me and my vision — know that no matter what I’ll be in touch with you shortly. I look forward to earning your vote at the DFL Business Conference in Edina on March 29th.

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Thank you for your time and for all you do to support our party. 
 

Democratically yours,