Greene County Democrats leader resigns

Photo courtesy LinkedIn

Skyler Johnston is taking a regional leadership position with the Teamsters.

After nearly five years serving as executive director of The Greene County Democratic Party, Skyler Johnston is returning to his roots in organized labor.

Johnston said he’ll join the International Brotherhood of Teamsters labor union Dec. 2 as its regional political coordinator for 13 states in the central region.

“It was one of those opportunities that comes across once in a lifetime,” he said this morning. “I couldn’t really pass that up."

The Greene County Democratic Party started a nationwide search to fill the executive director position, Johnston said, noting it’s the only paid position at the activist organization. He said it comes with a litany of responsibilities, including chief administrator and spokesperson, handling logistics, serving as a local campaign adviser and strategist.

“You have to be a Swiss army candidate to run this position,” Johnston said of the role he hopes to see filled by February.

During his time leading the local Democratic Party, Johnston pointed to the help the organization provided in electing Rep. Crystal Quade to District 132 in Springfield as his top achievement.

“She’s a bright star for us to guide the party,” he said.

But he’s also proud of the growing local activist base, now 2,000 people strong.

“When you’ve got folks that are on the ground doing the work, it makes an effect,” he said.

As for the 2020 elections, Johnston said he’s confident more districts will turn blue, citing state representative candidates such as Jeff Munzinger, Betsy Fogle, Dave Gragg, Cindy Slimp and Ray Lampert.

“I’m excited for all of our candidates,” he said. “There isn’t a single one of them that I wouldn’t be excited to have in Jefferson City.”

Although he won’t be leading the Democratic Party in an official capacity, Johnston said he’s already planning victory parties for next November.