The history of Pasadena Young Democrats actually begins before the current incarnation of PYD. In the 1950s, Pasadena residents Joe Wyatt and Dick Nevins distinguished themselves as leaders in California Young Democrats. Both continued to serve as leaders in Democratic politics throughout their careers. Though Nevins recently passed away, Wyatt remains a mainstay of Pasadena Democratic activism.

While early activists helped put young Democrats from Pasadena on the map, the first chartered Pasadena Young Democrats organization was formed in 2000 by Catherine Hazelton and Brian Ruark, both graduates of Scripps College ('99) and Claremont McKenna College ('98) respectively. Ruark and Hazelton, both former Democrats of the Claremont Colleges presidents, saw the need to create an organization for students and young professionals in the Pasadena area.

Galvanized by the 2000 presidential election, PYD was chartered with California Young Democrats. The new club became active in local and national campaigns, first with Bill Bradley's run for the presidency. PYD later played a role in electing the first all-Democratic legislative delegation from Pasadena, volunteering for Adam Schiff (Congress), Jack Scott (State Senate) and Carol Liu (State Assembly).

Ruark left Pasadena for the midwest, and Hazelton is completing her Masters degree in Public Policy at UC Berkeley. However, the Claremont Colleges connection continues for PYD. 2001-2002 president Lisa Burton (CMC '99) attended both Scripps and Claremont McKenna Colleges and 2002 VP Richard Johnson (CMC '01) is a former Democrats of the Claremont Colleges president.

PYD has continued to play an active role in Pasadena-area campaigns, walking and phoning for Carol Liu in 2002 and providing over 500 volunteer hours to the United Democratic Headquarters in 2004. PYD members have consistently established themselves as the 'foot soldiers' for area campaigns.

Pasadena Young Democrats is always looking to expand its membership and play a more prominent role in local Democratic activism. We welcome students and young professionals aged 14-35 to join us for fun events and campaign volunteering.