Matt Hughes Announces Run for DNC Treasurer

Dear DNC Members, 

In North Carolina, we believe in strengthening what we love rather than tearing it down. That’s why I am excited to announce my candidacy for DNC Treasurer - together, we can build the stronger, more effective Democratic Party that Democrats are demanding.

For the past 15 years, I have dedicated myself to our Democratic Party, tirelessly working to recruit candidates, raise funds, and protect our voting rights. From serving as a precinct chair during President Obama's first campaign to serving as a county chair, North Carolina vice chair, and now as a DNC member I understand what our party's members want, need, and deserve - transparency and accountability about how our party is run and how we perform at the ballot box.

Today, I am an elected official serving my hometown community and a CFO of a statewide 501(c)3 focused on progressive organizing. Every day I use my expertise as a Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional (CNAP) stewarding nearly $30 million in financial resources and handling financial policies, compliance, budget, and reporting effectively. Skills that easily transfer to serving as your next DNC Treasurer.

As your DNC Treasurer, I am running on four big ideas to bring effective change over the next four years:

• Reform Our Financial Practices - Grassroots Democrats entrust us with their hard-earned dollars to defend our democracy. It’s essential that we provide clarity to DNC members on how funds are raised and spent. I pledge to hold open budget listening sessions and ensure regular updates, including quarterly budget-to-actual reports and an annual report, so that every DNC member can understand our financial health and organizational priorities.
• Revamp Our Budget Model - Campaigns require funding, but alarmist appeals for donations can undermine trust. We need a budget model that prioritizes grassroots donors, fosters sustainable monthly revenue, and strategically invests in races at all levels - from local elections to the White House - building a strong pipeline of Democratic leaders for the future.
• Invest Strategically - Our state parties, as well as the DNC’s caucuses and councils, are the backbone of the party, working tirelessly year-round before the first vote is ever cast. By significantly investing in all 57 state parties and our DNC caucuses and councils, we can create a robust infrastructure that supports our mission for the next decade. I will collaborate closely with party leadership to secure sustainable funding for these essential investments.
• Transform Our Business Practices - We must evaluate our vendor contracts based on performance if we are to innovate and win. By diversifying our vendor network, we can prioritize diverse partnerships - working with women-owned, minority-owned, queer-owned, and veteran-owned businesses. Additionally, we must support our staff to aid in their transitions after election cycles as our people resources are our most precious.

The role of DNC Treasurer is pivotal in driving excellence and meaningful change at the DNC. I am eager to leverage my expertise to strengthen our party, but I cannot do it without your support. Together, we can build a DNC that is prepared to face the challenges ahead.

But first I need your help right now to qualify for the ballot. Candidates need at least 40 submissions to be on the ballot. And signing my petition does not prohibit you from signing another candidate's petition, for this office or any other. Will you sign my petition to qualify for the ballot?

You will hear more from me in the weeks ahead and I look forward to embarking on this journey with you! If you’d like to reach out, you may call or text me at 919-928-4480 or book time on my calendar via Calendly.

Democratically yours,

Commissioner Matt Hughes, MPA, CNAP

DNC Member, North Carolina

Secretary, DNC Youth Council
Secretary, DNC LGBTQ+ Caucus