KY Democratic Party announces new executive director Skip to content

KY Democratic Party announces new executive director

The KDP has a new executive director, just days after the current ED, Mary Nishimuta, announced she was returning to the private sector. Sebastian Kitchen, currently working in the communications office of Governor Beshear, will be moving into the executive director role at KDP.

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The KDP has a new executive director, just days after the current ED, Mary Nishimuta, announced she was returning to the private sector.

Sebastian Kitchen, currently working in the communications office of Governor Beshear, will be moving into the executive director role at KDP. From a press release jointly issued by the governor and by KDP chair Colmon Eldridge:

Gov. Beshear, Chairman Elridge Announce New KDP Executive Director

Gov. Andy Beshear and Kentucky Democratic Party Chairman Colmon Elridge announced a new party executive director on Friday. They also thanked Mary Nishimuta for her years of service to the party and to the Commonwealth.

Sebastian Kitchen, who has worked as deputy communications director for Gov. Beshear since early in the administration, will become executive director effective Monday, Oct. 4.

"Sebastian brings a wealth of knowledge and energy to his new role and we are excited for him to hit the ground running," Chairman Elridge said. "We can't thank Mary enough for her hard work, leadership, and tireless commitment to advancing our party and for her years of extraordinary service to Democrats throughout the Commonwealth."

After leading the party for more than four years, Nishimuta is returning to the private sector. As she has for years, Nishimuta will continue to be involved with KDP. She was at the helm of the party when then-Attorney General Beshear defeated Matt Bevin in 2019.

"Thanks to Mary for her dedication to the party," said Gov. Beshear. "Sebastian has been a critical part of my administration and I have complete confidence in his ability to lead the party as we work to move the commonwealth forward for the good of our people."

"It has been an honor to serve Governor Beshear and the Commonwealth and I look forward to continuing to fight alongside the Governor and other Democrats in our battle to create a better Kentucky for every family," Kitchen said. "Thank you to Mary for her years of commitment and dedication to the party and people of the Commonwealth."

Before joining the Beshear-Coleman administration, Kitchen worked for the U.S. Senate campaigns of Doug Jones in his special election win in Alabama in 2017 and Senator Bill Nelson of Florida, and the presidential campaign of Secretary Julián Castro. He was an award-winning journalist before entering politics.

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