Monroe County Young Democrats Named 2026 Chapter of the Year

NYSYD Gala - MCYD and CPS and TD

Rochester, NY — Monroe County Young Democrats (MCYD) was named the 2026 Chapter of the Year by the New York State Young Democrats (NYSYD) at NYSYD's 10th Annual Gala. The honor recognizes MCYD's growth and organizing work in the three years since the chapter's relaunch, including its rapid membership growth, its efforts to connect young Democrats directly with elected officials, and its newly launched Text the Vote campaign to boost voter turnout among young people across Monroe County.

MCYD was honored alongside a slate of NYSYD's 2026 award recipients, including:

● FDR Trailblazers of the Year: New York State Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes and New York State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris

● Young Elected Official of the Year: NYC Councilman Justin Sanchez

● Young Labor Leader of the Year: Megan Wylie, Hotel & Gaming Trades Council (HTC)

● Alumni of the Year: Gina Sillitti

● Caucus of the Year: NYSYD's Women's Caucus

● Young Leaders of the Year: Mashaal Bhatti and Jared Goerke

"This award belongs to every member who showed up, made calls, and knocked on doors because they believed local work is the work that matters," said Nayeliz Santiago, President of Monroe County Young Democrats. "Three years ago we relaunched this chapter with the knowledge that all politics is local, and this recognition tells us that knowledge was right. We're proud to stand alongside so many incredible honorees, and to celebrate everything our members and this chapter have accomplished. This is a milestone, not a finish line — and we're already looking ahead to the work still in front of us."

MCYD is now turning its focus to its Text the Vote campaign, an effort to reach young voters directly and increase turnout among the county's young Democratic base ahead of the 2026 elections.

Monroe County Young Democrats (MCYD) is a local chapter of the New York State Young Democrats (NYSYD), the official youth arm of the New York State Democrats. MCYD is dedicated to empowering young people to engage in local, state, and national politics, advocate for important issues, and create positive change across Monroe County. The organization provides opportunities to network with peers and leaders, get involved in campaigns, advocate for key issues, develop leadership skills, and connect through social and networking events. Learn more and become a member at monroecountyyoungdems.com.