About ACYD
Established in 1953, the mission statement of the Albany County Young Democrats (ACYD) is to champion justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion for every young Democrat. ACYD is unwavering in its commitment to amplify the voices of all young Democrats, advocating for their active participation in shaping the laws, policies, and regulations that govern our community.
President
Manik Elahi
First elected by his fellow members in April of 2024, and re-elected unanimously in 2025 and 2026, Manik Elahi serves as President of the Albany County Young Democrats.
In this role, he represents and advocates for the thousands of young Democrats who call Albany County their home. Manik also serves as the Statewide Chair of New York State Young Democrats Council of Presidents, a position he was unanimously elected to, which brings together all chapter Presidents from across the state to further the mission of young Democrats.
His mission for the organization focuses relentlessly on continuing to empower and build the next generation of leaders in the Democratic Party of New York's Capital Region.
Connect with Manik on social media below:
Executive Board
The following Executive Board has been elected by our members to lead ACYD for 2026-27.
From left to right: Membership Director Jenna Wyner, Programming Director Akshirtha Selvakumar, Communications Director Shannon Sutorius, Political Director Chester Bennett, President Manik Elahi, Finance Director Xavier Moody-Wusik, and Vice President Naishaly Vélez Galán.
Our Goals
ACYD's main goals are to:
Increase voter turnout and local civic participation among young people by leading registration drives, educational outreach, and GOTV efforts.
Create welcoming, energizing spaces for young people of all backgrounds to connect, organize, and shape the future of the Democratic Party.
Develop and support the next generation of Democratic leaders in Albany County through mentorship, training, and hands-on organizing opportunities.
Amplify the values of our membership to make our voices heard throughout Albany County, New York State, and beyond.
ACYD advances these goals by organizing monthly member events and coordinating canvassing efforts in support of endorsed candidates during election season. We convene a General Body Meeting each spring to vote on endorsements, resolutions, and officer elections. In the fall, we gather for our Installation Celebration & Awards to recognize our work and inaugurate newly elected leaders. Members can also deepen their involvement through participation in one of our standing committees, which help guide the organization’s priorities and operations.
Statewide Impact
Several of our members hold statewide offices within the NYS Young Democrats, extending the Capital Region’s leadership and excellence across the Excelsior State.
Chair of the Council of Presidents: Manik Elahi
Statewide Executive Board Secretary: Naishaly Vélez Galán
LGBTQIA+ Caucus Chair: Chloe Pierce
Capital Region Vice President, Women's Caucus Deputy Chair: Shannon Sutorius
Our Service Area
While our focus remains on Albany County in New York, we have members from across New York's Capital Region! ACYD is part of the NYSYD's Capital Region, which consists of sister chapters Saratoga and Schenectady. The Vice President of the NYSYD Capital Region is our very own Shannon Sutorius.
Elected Offices within Albany County*
Federal:
President and Vice President
US Senate, 2 seats (entirety of NYS)
US Congressional District 20
Statewide:
Governor and Lieutenant Governor
Attorney General
Comptroller
Senate Districts 43 and 46
Assembly Districts 102, 107, 108, 109, 110, and 111
NYS Supreme Court Justice, Third Judicial District
Countywide:
Albany County Legislature
Albany County Executive
Albany County Comptroller
Albany County Clerk
Albany County Sheriff
Albany County District Attorney
Albany County Court Judge
Albany County Family Court Judge
Albany County Surrogate Court Judge
City of Albany:
Common Council Member
Common Council President
Mayor
Chief City Auditor
City Court Judge
School Board Member
Library Trustee
City of Cohoes:
Mayor
Common Council Member
City Court Judge
School Board Member
City of Watervliet:
Mayor
City Council Member
City Court Judge
School Board Member
Towns of Bethlehem, Colonie, Coeymans, Green Island, Guilderland, Knox, New Scotland, Rensselaerville, Westerlo, and Berne:*
Town Supervisor
Town Council Member
Town Clerk
Highway Superintendent
Receiver of Taxes
Town Justice
School Board Member
Library Trustee
Villages of Altamont, Green Island, Menands, and Voorheesville:*
Mayor
Village Trustee
School Board Member
*this list may not include some special district or town/village positions and positions in towns/villages vary by location
