Many believe that partisan politics has created a roadblock in efforts to reach across the aisle and forge ahead. Nationally, the chasm separating Democrats and Republicans can be felt to be vast, but what about here in Washington state? Is it possible that similar divisive politics could be holding up progress beneficial to all? If so, what are recommendations for characteristics and qualities needed in future leaders to govern more effectively?

Join Town Hall Seattle and Seattle CityClub for a virtual Civic Cocktail program with host Joni Balter and guests Tina Podlodowski, chair of the Washington State Democratic Party, and Caleb Heimlich, chair of the Washington State Republican Party. Tune in for an in-depth conversation with the guests, including audience questions.

As a 40-year-old nonpartisan, civics-focused nonprofit, Seattle CityClub provides a platform for insightful and educational conversations that include a diverse range of perspectives.

The youngest State Republican Party Chairman in the country, Caleb Heimlich has served as Chairman of the Washington State Republican Party since his election in January of 2018. He is a respected member of the Republican National Committee and was unanimously elected Vice Chairman for the Western Region, and a member of the RNC Executive Committee. Upon graduation, he worked for Americans for Prosperity in Washington DC and then for AFP in Washington State organizing grass roots activists. That led to being hired as the Political Director of the WSRP in 2011, promoted to Executive Director in 2013.

Tina Podlodowski is the daughter of two naturalized U.S. citizens who fled post-WWII Europe as refugees. As a first-generation American, “union kid,” and lifelong Democrat, Podlodowski has spent her life fighting for equity and equality and gained prominence as a visible leader in both the Democratic party nationally, and the LGBTQ community nationally and internationally. After a career as an executive at Microsoft, Podlodowski won an at-large seat on the Seattle City Council with 65% of the popular vote. Podlodowski won her first term as State Party Chair in 2017. Nationally, Podlodowski is proud to be the Western Association of State Democratic Committees Vice President (representing all of our Western States), Chair of the DNC Western States Caucus (again, representing all of our Western States), and a member of the 2021 DNC Executive Committee.

Special thanks to CityClub’s premiere partner Comcast, and media partner Seattle Channel.

Presented by Seattle City Club and Town Hall Seattle.

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