Candidate for
Member, Democratic Party County Central Committee; County of San Diego; Assembly District 76

Bio for Jess Durfee

Candidate for 76th AD Democratic Central Committee

Jess Durfee has been active in Democratic Party politics for 20 years, the past 13 of those in San Diego.

He had a fifteen year career as a high school teacher and administrator. During his tenure as a teacher he served as president of his local teachers union and served at the state and national level as a political action leader within his union. While teaching he took leaves of absence to serve as a political field director for the National Education Association and Washington Education Association and as a congressional aide for education and labor issues on Capitol Hill.

Since coming to San Diego he has been a full-time activist. He is currently serving his second term as Chair of the San Diego County Democratic Party. During his first term as chair, the SDCDP developed a five year strategic plan. The focus of his second term is on the full implementation of that plan. Key components of the strategic plan include expanding the Grassroots Organizing operation (GO Team), increasing the voter registration program, upgrading the internal and external communications systems, expanding the fundraising program and improving the party's candidate recruitment and support operations.

Through his leadership the San Diego County Democratic Party transitioned from an all volunteer organization in 2004, to having three full-time professional staff members in 2008. The SDCDP staff provides support and assistance to thousands of volunteers, Democratic club members, and activists in San Diego County.

He also is currently serving as the Co-Chair of the LGBT Caucus of the California Democratic Party.

Jess held several positions with the San Diego Democratic Club where he served as president from 2001 through 2004. He has been on the executive board of the San Diego County Democratic Party since 2002. He served two years as Director of Clubs. Mr. Durfee has been a member of the California Democratic Party Executive Board since 1999. In 2000 he served as the field director for Councilmember Toni Atkins' successful run for the San Diego city council.

Jess lives in the San Diego neighborhood of University Heights.