What We Do
Arkansas Progressive Democrats is a coalition of members from across the state who meet weekly on Discord to discuss issues important to Arkansans. We are member-driven and support the candidacies of Democrats on the state and national level.
We work closely with organizations like:
Progressive Arkansas Women PAC
Arkansas Democratic Black Caucus
AANHPI Democratic Caucus of Arkansas
Senior Democrats
Hispanic Caucus
Public Education Caucus
Arkansas Federation of Democratic Women
Labor Caucus
Veterans and Military Family Caucus
....and all our county parties!
Meet the Leadership Team
Our democratically elected leadership works for you. We want to emulate the type of leadership we wish to see at all levels of government. Reach out to any of us for questions about the caucus.
Female Co-Chair
Lela Chism
Lela is a community advocate and labor organizer, former Operations Officer of the Arkansas Progressive Democrats Caucus, and current Chair of the Saline County Democratic Women. She is an active member of Central Arkansas DSA and co-chairs its Labor Committee. In 2024, she ran for Justice of the Peace in Saline County, focusing on issues impacting working-class Arkansans.
Male Co-Chair
Ryan Giglio
Ryan is a decade-long advocate for developing a left-wing political coalition in the state, founder of the Arkansas Progressive Democrats Caucus, and is currently working to promote worker co-ops in the Little Rock food industry
At-Large Delegate and Treasurer
Tish Mindemann
Tish is a mom, an educator, and a future candidate with progressive ideals. She is new to the Arkansas Progressive Democrats, but has taken a strong interest in working towards building a coalition to help everyday Arkansans thrive.
At-Large Delegate
Sean McFeeters
Sean is a dad and a UAFS graduate. He wants the world to become a better place for future generations and joined to try to help with that goal
Secretary
Melissa Tucker
Melissa has volunteered with The Van, Arkansas Foodbank, St Joseph Center, and Rocktown Realness Sandwich Squad. She supports mutual aid and community gardens. She has a background in journalism and technology, and as Secretary, she is organized and does her best to inform members about APD news and events and keep members engaged in the caucus and in their communities.