Samuel Ujdak has resigned as chair of the Monroe County Democratic Party, citing burnout and a desire to refocus the party on grassroots, community-centered leadership. He resigned June 23, just over three months after being elected at a reorganization caucus March 1.
Ujdak, director of grant development at Ivy Tech, said the demands of the role—combined with a lack of statewide coordination—became overwhelming.
“It was too much for one person,” he said. “You’re exhausted all the time. I had so much hope and ambition for what we could have done together, but right now, with the amount of gas I have left in the tank, I can’t give it what it needs.”
During his brief tenure, Ujdak prioritized transforming the county party into what he called a “mutual aid network”—focused less on electoral messaging and more on meeting community needs, such as food and housing insecurity.
“There are people who are hungry right now,” he said. “We have 200 volunteers. We have big hearts and empty hands. We can do more.”
First appointed treasurer in 2019, Ujdak returned to leadership in 2023 and was elected chair earlier this year. He pushed for a neighborhood-based approach to organizing—arguing that political parties should serve, not just persuade.
“People don’t owe us anything—we owe them everything,” he said. “That’s what political work should be about.”
Ujdak also expressed frustration with what he described as a disconnect between county and state Democratic leadership.
“Everyone thinks they know best, and no one’s listening,” he said.
Under party rules, a new chair must be elected within 30 days of the vacancy. Party secretary Dr. Gloria Howell is expected to issue a call to caucus soon, when precinct chairs and vice chairs will vote on a replacement.
Though he will not be involved in selecting the next chair, Ujdak said he will assist with the transition, helping the new leader with logistics such as account access and documentation.
“I’m still here,” he said. “Just not in a role where my mistakes can break things. That’s kind of the beauty of stepping back—I can help, but I can also rest.”
Ujdak will continue serving as a national delegate for the Indiana Young Democrats and hopes to mentor young organizers, especially those from marginalized backgrounds.
“Be authentic. Be yourself. And just show up,” he said. “People reward doers.”
Ultimately, he said his departure is a reminder that titles aren’t required to make a difference.
“You don’t need a title to make an impact,” he said. “Just show up, do the work, and be real with people. That’s what matters.”