Our 2024 program includes 15 talented, diverse, and passionate leaders working as campaign managers on key state legislative races in Texas and Pennsylvania.
This program provides three major benefits to Democratic politics:
It equips state legislative campaigns with top-tier managers, giving them a competitive edge to win.
It supplements managers’ salaries and benefits, including providing salaries for 6 weeks of full-time training, retaining the best talent from all backgrounds.
It creates a pool of driven, resourceful, and adaptable campaign managers who will go on to deliver Democratic victories in 2024, 2025, and beyond.
Stay tuned for more information and applications for our seventh State Manager Program in 2025!
BLC’s State Manager Program works to expand state legislative majorities in key states around the country. The 2024 cohort is made up of:
15 managers from almost 300 applicants
The 2024 cohort is the most diverse cohort BLC has ever had with 4 out of 5 managers identifying as people of color.
MEET OUR 2024 COHORT
Sonali grew up in sunny Southern California where her passion for politics was born. Being a first-generation American with two immigrant parents, she grew up with the ideals of gratitude and appreciation for what you have and for the opportunities given to you. She began her political career in 2022 as the Call Time Manager for then Massachusetts State Senator Sonia Chang-Díaz in her run for Governor, before moving to Georgia to join then State Senator Jen Jordan's run for Attorney General. In 2023 she began working as the Finance Director for the youngest member of Virginia's State House in history, Delegate Nadarius Clark, in the 84th House District. She was promoted to Deputy Campaign Manager and helped Virginia take back the House majority. She is now the Campaign Manager for Anna Thomas in PA’s 137th HD and could not be more excited to flip the seat come November!
Sierra is a data driven organizer with deep roots in Central Pennsylvania. She started out in field work for Jess King's race for Congress, and later served as field director for Hobie Crystle for Lancaster District Attorney and Tim Brennan's winning campaign for PA House. She's also worked in finance for Sara Agerton, whose campaign she now manages in PA's 88th State House District. Sierra is a co-founder of All of Us PAC PA, an organization that supported more than two dozen local leaders to run for office in 2021, and the Lancaster Legal Collective, which works to protect the civil rights of protestors in the greater Lancaster, PA community.
RJ is a seasoned organizer who first developed his passion for politics when he volunteered to get people out to vote. He quickly realized he could make a difference by mobilizing voters in underrepresented communities then further developed his craft by working for various campaigns in Texas like the Re-Elect Lina Hidalgo for Harris County Judge race and in the office of Texas State Senator Carol Alvarado. RJ believes that political spaces, from candidates and elected officials to the people working for them, should truly reflect the diversity of the communities they represent. Rolando is a native Houstonian and graduate of the University of Houston-Downtown. He currently serves as campaign manager for Cristian Luna for PA HD-13.
Cleveland is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and after losing both his parents early on he worked in the service industry while studying Biomedical Engineering in college. He first got into politics through photography and digital content creation. Coming from a low income family, this doorway allowed him to see how not only he could affect politics but how politics could affect him and those around him. He went on to work with Democratic coordinated campaigns and non-profits to connect and improve the lives of impoverished communities. He has since attended training in digital, finance and field management to better hone his skills and amplify the voices of those who aren't often heard. He believes that we have the people and therefore the power to make meaningful change, we just have to find each other and connect. That is why Cleveland is currently 1,300 miles from home helping defend the 121st State House District in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, hoping to secure it and help increase the House majority in 2024.
Donaldo is an organizer from Fort Worth. Being from Texas, he understands the direct consequences of not having political power. From Jackson, Mississippi to Seattle, Washington, Donaldo has organized in various communities as a way to learn how to connect with as many people as possible. He believes that the best way to attain change is for everyday, working class people to step up civically through voting and running for office. Currently, Donaldo is thrilled to be a part of the group of leaders defending and expanding the Democratic majority in the Pennsylvania State House in 2024!
Andrea Gomez has built her career in political campaigns with a compelling blend of U.S. and Dominican heritage. Her journey in politics began with her academic pursuits at Florida International University, where she earned a BA in Political Science and International Relations, alongside a certificate in Pre-Law & Asian Studies. Working on campaigns across the U.S., Andrea's hands-on experience ranges from local to national races. Her commitment to political campaigns is driven by a passion for impactful leadership and the mentorship she's received, aiming to foster similar growth opportunities for others in the field. In her free time, Andrea enjoys dancing, showing her love for vibrant and diverse cultures.
Robert Orta is a distinguished political strategist from Houston, Texas. Motivated by the 2016 Presidential election, he became deeply committed to the goal of turning Texas blue, actively supporting progressive candidates and engaging young voters on his university campus. Following his graduation from Texas A&M, Robert played a pivotal role as a field organizer in Sylvester Turner's successful re-election campaign for Mayor of Houston. He has since dedicated his career to advancing Democrats at the municipal, county, and state levels, serving in key positions such as Field Director and Campaign Manager. In his freetime, Robert enjoys jamming to Rock n' Roll classics, gaming, and spending time with friends and family.
Alejandra Perez is a first-generation American and a proud Texan. She completed her undergraduate degree in Business Administration at the University of Houston and later became a certified bilingual classroom teacher. After the 2016 presidential election, Alejandra was determined to help elect officials who embraced immigrants and recognize the positive contributions they make when they join our communities. She first became involved in politics when she volunteered for Beto O'Rourke's 2018 Senate campaign. She then went on to join O'Rourke's organizing team when he ran for governor of Texas in 2022. Alejandra is presently managing Anand Patel's campaign for PA HD-18.
Victoria currently manages Kristian Carranza’s campaign for TX HD-118 in San Antonio. Prior to BLC, she was the California Organizing Manager for Reproductive Freedom for All (formerly NARAL Pro-Choice America) and the DCCC Organizing Director for Rep. Gabe Vasquez’s successful red to blue campaign in Southern New Mexico. After graduating from the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, Victoria got her campaign start as the finance assistant on Dr. Kermit Jones’ 2022 congressional bid. She’s excited to be in South Texas this year working to flip a tough district come November.
Hailing from Houston and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas, Abel has devoted his professional life to the promotion of progressive causes and the endorsement of candidates at various legislative levels, including State Houses, State Senates, and the U.S. Congress. As a pioneering first-generation college dropout and a founding member of Cambio Texas, an organization dedicated to enhancing Latino voter engagement, Abel is committed to advocating for leadership that ensures equitable access for communities reflective of his own. With a rich background in grassroots organizing and strategic involvement in pivotal campaigns, Abel brings a comprehensive skill set to the arena of political activism and campaign management.
Terrance, a native of Houma, Louisiana, has dedicated his life to being a voice for the voiceless, particularly within the realm of politics and advocacy. His journey began in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he immersed himself in grassroots organizations striving for better education for students across various neighborhoods. Transitioning from grassroots activism to political campaigns, Terrance became involved in the Brandon Presley campaign for Governor, where his contributions proved to be valuable to the success of the campaign's field program. His experience and dedication made him a significant asset, showcasing his ability to mobilize communities and effect change through organized political action. Currently, Terrance is in Washington County, Pennsylvania, where he is deeply committed to supporting Alex Taylor's bid for State Representative in PA HD-46. In this role, Terrance continues his mission to empower communities and ensure their voices are heard in the halls of power.
Chris is currently managing Stefanie Rafes' Campaign for State House in Pennsylvania's 187th district. Before joining BLC, Chris managed a City Council race in Toledo, Ohio, and served as a Field Organizer on the 2022 Ohio Coordinated Campaign. As a child of a blue-collar, working-class family, Chris is dedicated to helping elect progressives who will unapologetically advocate for the working-class.
Jamari is a campaign professional who has worked all over the country. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, and a Howard University graduate, his first job in politics was as a Field Organizer on Governor Jay Inslee’s 2016 re-election campaign. Since then he has worked on both sides of Capitol Hill, for political consultants, and most recently as a State and Local Campaign Coordinator at EMILY's List. He is now managing Representative Mandy Steele’s re-election campaign in Pennsylvania’s 33rd House District.
