ABOUT US
University Democrats were first registered at the University of Texas at Austin as a student organization in 1953. Since then, we have been committed to promoting progressive values, electing Democratic candidates, and turning Texas blue. You may also know us as Young Democrats and UT Democrats.
We are a passionate and impactful political organization—officially recognized as a Political Action Committee (PAC)—committed to advancing progressive values and championing Democratic candidates across Texas and beyond. However, our efforts go beyond advocacy: we actively engage in voter registration, mobilize communities to get out the vote, and foster connections between students and their elected officials. Moreover, we ensure that our representatives are accountable to the needs and
interests of students, empowering them to make their voices heard in the political process!
Meet Our Team
Our leadership team, UDLC (University Democrats Leadership Committee), is elected every semester to best serve the interests of our growing organization. As we enter once more into a busy legislative session, UDLC is excited to get students engaged in local politics and voting like never before.
Caitlin Kalb
President
Caitlin is a junior Government Major on the prelaw track, and is am so honored to serve as the new University Democrats President. As President, she looks forward to utilizing her expertise in campaigns and Democratic policy to further progressive change in the greater Austin area and on the 40 acres.
Ally Flores
Vice President
Ally is a junior Government major from Dallas. She is passionate about making the voting process more accessible on campus and protecting diversity and inclusion in higher education. This semester, she looks forward to mobilizing students by showing them how to turn their concerns into action during the 89th Legislative Session. As Vice President she is committed to giving young people a voice in government and representing those across the state who are impacted but can't be there to advocate for themselves.
Emily Moreno
Communications Director
Emily Moreno is a first-year Government major and so excited to be comms director this upcoming semester! She is passionate about affordable healthcare, immigration reform, and reproductive rights. Emily believes that students need to be informed now more than ever and that starts with a great communications team! Throughout the semester she will be implementing more engaging content that readily informs students on the local, state, and federal government.
Jack Chrismon
Treasurer
Jack Chrismon is a sophomore studying International Relations and Government. Originally hailing from Dallas, Jack sparked his passion for politics volunteering in the 2018 Beto Campaign. As treasurer this semester, Jack is excited to see what UDems can accomplish during the legislative session. In his free time, Jack loves to visit the LBJ Library and read about the political history of our state.
Elif Painaik
SECRETARY GENERAL
Elif Painaik is a sophomore government and economics double major from Austin. She is passionate about issues such as women's rights, the environment, and education, and has aspirations to become an attorney. In her free time, she enjoys playing with her three cats, hiking, and getting lost on the Austin bus system.
Adit Raha
CAMPUS DIRECTOR
Adit Raha is a Freshman Economics and Plan Il major from Chicago. He is passionate about fighting for high quality healthcare for all, improving public education, and making our cities more livable. This semester, he is excited to register students to vote, inform them about the legislative process, and help them understand their ability to influence Texas politics.
Nicole Tarragona
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR
Nicole Tarragona is a freshman double majoring in Government and International Relations & Global Studies. As the New Membership Director for University Democrats, she's really excited for our upcoming membership bonding activities and for the opportunity to get even more students politically involved on campus this spring semester! As membership director she looks forward to working with everyone and building a stronger, more engaged community here at The University of Texas at Austin.
Campus Organizing
Campus Organizing is the most important aspect of University Democrats. We work to help students get informed on political and social issues, Educate students on when, where, and how to vote. Get students and others in the community excited to vote and participate in the political process. Our number one goal is to increase civic engagement!
More About UDems
Advocacy
UDems actively advocates for student interests at the Texas Legislature and Austin City Council through testifying at hearings, contacting representatives, organizing protests, and mobilizing students to take action. We fight for policies that benefit students and the broader community, ensuring that young voices are heard in local and state government. Whether it's pushing for voter accessibility, education funding, or social justice initiatives, UDems is committed to making a tangible impact through direct advocacy and grassroots organizing.
A Political Presence on Campus
Weekly
Tabling
We generally table on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 12–4 on either Speedway or West Mall at UT Austin. At our tabling events, we help register voters, distribute literature, and inform students about political issues and opportunities for involvement. This semester, we are focused on educating students about our legislative priorities and how they can make their voices heard at the state legislature.
Literature
Dispersal
Lit dropping is when we distribute campaign literature, flyers, and informational materials to students and other voters living in Austin. Last year, we lit dropped every dorm on campus and
multiple West Campus Apartment Complexes
Over 10,000 voters contacted. We also assist the Travis County Democratic Party in lit
dropping across the county!
Voter Registration
During election season, we held voter registration drives on speedway at
daily! We also table until midnight on the last day to register to vote Last semester, we registered over hundreds voters on the last day to register to vote! In previous election years, we have registered over 1000 voters in one day!
Political Engament
UDems works to bring major speakers and political events to UT Austin, ensuring that students feel more connected to politics and engaged in the democratic process. These events help foster political awareness, encourage civic participation, and provide a platform for students to ask questions and share their perspectives on important issues.
Poll
Greeting
During early voting and on election day, we hand out our endorsement sheets to voters and answer any questions they have about voting or candidates. We have also previously worked with Pizza to the Polls to give pizza to people in line!
Rallys/Activism
Every semester, UDems works to connect students with local political rallies and organizes major speaker events to help UT students stay informed and get more involved in politics. For example in the Fall 2024 semester, we hosted the "Our Fight, Our Future Rally", featuring Bernie Sanders, AOC, Beto O’Rourke, Lloyd Doggett, and Greg Casar, drawing over 1,100 Longhorns in attendance!
Canvassing and Phone Banking
UDems Block Walking & Phone Banking are critical tools in our efforts to engage voters and support Democratic candidates during elections. Through block walking, we go door-to-door to speak directly with voters, answer questions, and encourage them to vote, while also distributing campaign materials and information on voting locations.
Phone banking allows us to reach even more voters by making calls to remind them about upcoming elections,
provide details on how to vote, and share key policy messages. These grassroots activities help increase voter turnout, ensure that our
community is informed, and build support for
candidates who align with our values!
2024 Election Recap
Last election cycle marked one of University Democrats' largest and most ambitious efforts in the organization’s history. We were fully committed to ensuring that progressive and Democratic candidates received strong support at every level of the ballot at UT Austin.
Meetings and Guest Speakers
Every Wednesday at 8:00pm in Burdine Hall
We start with general announcements
and short candidate introductions, and then feature a speaker for each meeting! Past speakers from last year include Beto O’Rourke, Congressman Doggett, Averie
Bishop, Congressman Colin Allred, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, etc.
We also go to Roppolo’s Pizza after every meeting!
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Endorsements
Every election cycle, UDems hosts endorsement forums to support the most pro-student Democratic candidates in primaries and local nonpartisan elections. Our endorsements are decided democratically by our voting members, with candidates needing at least 60% support to earn our endorsement.
Once endorsed, we work tirelessly to help elect these candidates through poll greeting, literature drops, GOTV texts, weekly tabling, phone banking, and more—mobilizing UT Austin students to make a real impact. In the 2022 City Council race for District 9, which includes UT Austin, our endorsed candidate, Zo Qadri, won nearly 60% of the vote in almost all UT precincts, securing his victory and helping elect one of the most progressive members of the Austin City Council.
We also use ranked-choice voting for all our elections, ensuring a fair and representative endorsement process!
36,000 Pieces of Lit Dropped
40,000 GOTV TEXTS SENT
25,000 DOORS KNOCKED
15,000 PHONE CALLS MADE
5,000 SHUTTLE RIDERS
16 PRECINCT ADOPTION PROJECTS