WHO WE ARE
Riley County Democrats are a diverse group of concerned citizens united by their belief in a functioning democracy.
​​We are fighting to defend every person's civil and human rights locally and nationally.
We are fighting to achieve more equitable outcomes in our society.
​We are fighting for voting rights.
We are fighting for healthcare for all people and to protect reproductive rights.
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​We took back the White House. We elected democrats in the 2021 local elections and we reelected Gov. Laura Kelly in 2022; but the fight is far from over. Democracy is being challenged in our country at all levels of government.
​​Crucial elections are coming up in 2024.
Join us in restoring decency, humanity, equity and fairness to our community, our state and our nation.
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Meet our leadership team
CRYSTAL AULETTI
Secretary
Crystal is a long-time Kansas resident and a KSU graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science. She currently volunteers for the Manhattan Crisis Center and is the membership lead for Moms Demand Action (MDA). Crystal joined the Riley County Democrats to get involved with local politics and passing legislation(s) that support all persons and families. She has a strong passion for helping people and hopes to help grow the Riley County Democrats.
Crystal loves spending time with her two kids. Currently, her son attends Manhattan High School, and her daughter is earning a bachelor's degree in psychology at Kansas State University.
CARL REED
Precinct Chair Director
Carl got involved in social justice issues as an undergraduate at Michigan State University. He arrived at K-State via a Peace Corps gig in Central America. He got involved in the Sherow campaign, volunteered for Sydney Carlin, Tom Hawk, and other state-level candidates, and served as RCDP chair 2019 – 2020.
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CATHERINE CRANE
Communication Director
Catherine grew up in France where she studied Civil Engineering and City Planning. She left France to pursue graduate studies in Architecture at the University of New Mexico. She came to Manhattan in 1989 to teach architecture after spending a few years designing affordable housing in France.
To stay true to her social conscience and democratic convictions, Catherine joined the Democratic Party after becoming a US citizen. She first volunteered with the RCDP in 2019 to support the GOTV effort in her precinct. After the election she offered her skills in graphic design and information management and served as RCDP secretary 2020 – 2021.
GABE KERR
Treasurer
Gabe is an active mathematician working in algebraic geometry and string theory. While in graduate school at the University of Chicago, he was an activist for social movements to stop the war in Iraq and end the death penalty in Illinois.
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He was the treasurer of a local campaign in 2020 when he dived into the world of campaign finance rules and regs, leading him to the Riley County Dems.
Gabe moved to Manhattan in 2013 with his wife and two children.
CATHERINE CRANE
Communication and Digital Media Director
Catherine grew up in France where she studied Civil Engineering and City Planning. She left France to pursue graduate studies in Architecture at the University of New Mexico. She came to Manhattan in 1989 to teach architecture after spending a few years designing affordable housing in France.
To stay true to her social conscience and democratic convictions, Catherine joined the Democratic Party after she became a US citizen.
She decided to become active with the Riley County Dems during the 2020 election campaign.
KATIE ALLEN
Chair
Katie is a lifelong Kansan who is passionate about economic and social justice as well as working with others toward a better world for our kids. She earned two degrees from K-State (MPA ’12, EdD ’19) and currently works as an education consultant providing technical assistance to build capacities within state education agencies toward improved student outcomes.
She lives in Manhattan with her husband, two kids – Fisher aged 12 and Lila age 10, dog, and cat. In her free time, Katie enjoys gardening, beekeeping, and tending a flock of suburban chickens.
BRENNAN WALTER
Vice Chair
Brennan is a lifetime resident of Manhattan and a graduate student at Kansas State University studying Regional & Community Planning. He also works as a supervisor for American Airlines’ subsidiary, Envoy Air at the Manhattan Regional Airport. His favorite thing to do is travel, having already used his airline perks to visit 44 countries. His goal is to build and improve public transportation service in or between cities.
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He is currently planning his trip to his 45th country.