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 replacing former Executive Director Mary Nishimuta.
Sebastian Kitchen, who has worked as deputy communications director for Gov. Beshear became executive director on 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.”
The news comes on the heels of Gov. Beshear officially filing his paperwork to seek a second term in office.
Nishimuta is returning to the private sector after running the KDP since 2017. She will continue to be involved with KDP, according to a news release.
“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, according to the press release.
