HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — The Harrisonburg Democratic Committee (HDC) has elected Jeff Pierson as its new chair at the recent Biennial Reorganization Meeting held at the Harrisonburg Rockingham Democratic Headquarters, 850 East Market Street.

According to a release, Pierson brings decades of experience in Democratic politics, grassroots organizing, and civic leadership. He has served the Harrisonburg Democratic Committee in multiple roles, including Vice Chair for Precinct Operations, Vice Chair of Operations, and canvassing trainer. He has worked on Virginia Democratic campaigns since the 1990s and is widely known for his hands-on involvement in voter outreach across Harrisonburg neighborhoods.

A longtime Harrisonburg resident, Pierson is a faculty member at Bridgewater College, where he has held numerous academic and administrative leadership roles. He and his family live in the Stone Spring precinct.

As chair, Pierson emphasized unity, full ticket organizing, and sustained year-round engagement as priorities for the committee. Looking ahead to the 2026 election cycle, he highlighted key goals including re-electing Mark Warner, flipping Virginia’s 6th Congressional District Congressional seat currently held by Ben Cline, and continuing to elect Democrats to local offices such as City Council and the School Board. Currently there are four announced democratic primary candidates in the 6th district: Pete Barlow, Wendy Gooditis, Beth Macy, and Ken Mitchell.

“The strength of the Democratic Party is its diversity of voices and shared commitment to democracy, fairness, and opportunity,” Pierson said. “When we work together, we win—and Harrisonburg is proof of that.”

“I celebrate Jeff stepping into this position after many fantastic years of seeing him serve our community at events, at campaign activities talking with neighbors” said Alleyn Harned, former chair of the HDC. “Jeff and the new committee leaders show to all that they care deeply about neighbors having a better shared experience and quality of life.”

Kathy Beery, a former State Senate District 2 Candidate, was elected as the Vice Chair of Operations. A current priority of the HDC is to maintain the momentum of this past November and respond to current events through more ongoing efforts this spring. The Harrisonburg and Rockingham County committees share a year-round office at 850 West Market Street. Those interested in finding out more about the committee are invited to attend any of our weekly “Chairs Chats” held on Sunday evenings at 6:00pm at the office or our weekly “Working Wednesdays” from 1-4pm, where volunteers can help with upcoming projects.