Larissa Valonis Becomes First Woman to Chair Lackawanna Democrats

Larissa Cleary Valonis has been elected as the new Lackawanna County Democratic Party Chairperson, the first female to head the county party in its history. During the party election on July 14 at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center downtown, the 41-year-old Archbald resident and school counselor won 165 votes compared to 133 votes for Lexie Kelly, 62, from Newton Township.

After her win, Larissa stressed her desire to bring the party together and to cooperate with her opponent's supporters before the November election. She announced she would start working on reconciliation right away by meeting with some of Lexie’s supporters.

"I’m excited to get to work on this new story, not even new chapter. We're moving forward, and we are going to bring the heat in November," Valonis said. She added that she wants to work with Democrats who are "doers" and focus on "bridging this party and working together with everybody ... that really want(s) to make sure that Democrats win."

Larissa’s appointment was said to be the first time a woman would hold chair of the Lackawanna County Democratic Party, former county chairman Chris Patrick said.

Key Highlights

• Larissa Valonis becomes first female Lackawanna Democratic Party chairperson ever
• Defeated Lexie Kelly by 165 votes to 133 Tuesday
• Promises party unity and stronger grassroots efforts before November elections

For the first time in recent history, the election was open to the public and visitors could watch the candidates present their plans before almost 300 county Democratic committee members.

During her address, Larissa reflected on her two decades of political involvement, which began during Barack Obama's first presidential campaign. She highlighted her work on campaigns for State Senator John Blake, State Representative Kyle Mullins, County Judge Mary Walsh Dempsey and District Attorney Brian Gallagher.

"Alongside so many of you, there's been 20 years of grassroots efforts, doors knocked, and races run. Everyone here tonight loves this party, including Lexie, who helped build something real in the Abingtons, and I have genuine respect for that, because this isn't about one slate winning; it's about what we build together starting now," she said.

Larissa also emphasized the importance of a more robust grassroots network, which saw the participation of just 53% of registered Democrats in the 2024 election, despite Democrats making up 60% of the county's registered electorate. She promised to create a party of team players, not one voice from the top down, and meetings and committees and strategies based on data.

Lexie, president of the Lackawanna United Democrats and a member of the Abington Democrats, said he would work with Valonis, regardless of the election outcome. I just don't believe that we are as polarization as we think we are. It's a small group of individuals that want to maintain a power base, and 98% of us want the same thing," Lexie said. “But we're going to work to put the Democrats up the ballot.”

The leadership election comes amid a backlash of controversy after party chairman Chris Patrick tried to expel 76 committee members, including Lexie, under party bylaws. But the Pennsylvania Democratic Party decided that Patrick did not have the authority to do so since he failed to meet the deadline June 24 to complete elections of officers. This was later assumed by the state party to manage the election.

Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chairman Eugene DePasquale presided over the meeting and praised the transparent process.

"I think there was a lot of appreciation in that room," DePasquale said. "Everyone had a voice; that it was an open, transparent process. I think that's going to make sure that we are a more unified party heading into November."

Eugene also expressed confidence that the party would unite behind its broader electoral goals, including congressional and state legislative races, as Democrats prepare for the November elections.