The Stanly County Democratic Party Convention was held April 22 at New London Memorial Park in New London.

Elijah King, third vice chair of the NC Democratic Party, stopped by and Christopher Dean, a political consultant, was the keynote speaker.

The Stanly County Democratic Party elected Daniel Quick as chair, Elizabeth (Beth) Harrison as first vice chair, Johnquita (Jo Jo) McCoy as second vice chair, Zina Risley as third vice chair, Landis Bogle as secretary, Erin Soto as state executive committee member, seven congressional convention delegates and appointed Barbara Tuset as treasurer.

The 8th Congressional District Democratic Party will have its annual convention on May 20.

North Carolina political consultant Christopher Dean shared that the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School had a profound effect on the direction of his career. (Contributed)