In a significant move for the local political scene, the Washington County Democratic Party unveiled its new headquarters on Tuesday, strategically situated at the Peerless Center on W Springbrook Drive in Johnson City, Tennessee. This opening marks a pivotal moment, as it comes a full year ahead of the upcoming Tennessee election.

Efforts to establish this new hub have been underway since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting the party’s determination to find a fitting location. Brad Batt, the Second Vice Chair, expressed the challenges faced during this process. “It’s been an effort finding places,” he noted, describing the ups and downs of securing a venue. “Maybe we found a place and missed out on it or found a place that didn’t quite work and searching, and I think we finally found a great location. I hope everyone gets to come see it.”

The new facility is designed to be more than just an office; it includes spaces for media activities, brainstorming sessions, and even a kids’ corner, creating an inclusive environment for all visitors. This thoughtfully designed space aims to serve as a catalyst for political engagement and candidate support in the 2026 election cycle.

The party has ambitious plans for the headquarters, intending to use it as a base for recruiting and supporting candidates, as well as hosting events and campaign launches for local figures. Brad Batt highlighted ongoing initiatives, such as the postcard-writing campaign for Afton Bahn, a candidate running in Tennessee’s Congressional District 7. “People are going to be writing postcards for Afton Bahn, who’s running in Tennessee Congressional District 7 over in Nashville right now,” Batt mentioned. “We’re going to support that effort and phone bank and things like that. Along the way, we want to have a lot of fun, train ourselves on how to advocate for what we want, remove the mystery and fear of politics, and come together so we understand each other’s values.”

The party hopes to use the space to recruit and support candidates in the 2026 election, host events and campaign kickoffs for local candidates.

“People are going to be writing postcards for Afton Bahn, who’s running in Tennessee Congressional District 7 over in Nashville right now,” Batt said. “We’re going to support that effort and phone bank and things like that. Along the way, we want to have a lot of fun, train ourselves on how to advocate for what we want, remove the mystery and fear of politics and come together so we understand each other’s values.”

Batt added he hopes the new location brings together the Democratic community in Washington County and motivates more people to take an interest in politics.

“I want to see this be a hub of hope,” he said. “I want to see people lean into the candidate that they can be and advocate for. We’re going to run every office that we can, and we’re going to support the people running, because it’s hard to run, but you have to stick up for what’s right, and you have to stick up for your values and your family at the end of the day. I hope we become a hub of fun and hope to stand up for democratic values.”