To the Editor:

My name is Matt Hayden. I'm a 31-year-old attorney who has called Hoboken home for nearly a decade since graduating college. Today, I'm excited to announce the revival of the Hudson County Young Democrats, an organization with a proud history that we're honored to continue.

First, I want to express sincere gratitude to the previous HCYD leadership. Their dedication laid a strong foundation, creating meaningful connections between residents and our democratic process. We're not starting from scratch – we're building on their legacy while adapting to meet today's challenges.

We're also fortunate to have incredible elected officials across Hudson County who have consistently championed the concerns of all residents. Their leadership provides both inspiration and practical examples of how engaged citizens can make a real difference in our communities.

Our goal is simple but ambitious: to create a welcoming space where everyone aged 18-36 from every corner of Hudson County can connect, engage, and contribute. No matter where you come from in the most diverse, densely populated, and youngest county in the state, this organization is for you.

Recent years have shown us that democracy requires active participation. Many of us feel disconnected from the political process or unsure of how to make our voices heard. We want to bridge that gap by creating opportunities that feel accessible and meaningful.

What are we offering? A chance to build genuine relationships with neighbors who care about similar issues. Opportunities to learn about local government and how it affects our daily lives, and the platform to have your voice heard on the issues that matter to you most. Ways to give back through community service and mutual aid. And yes, a path to getting involved in the political process at whatever level feels right for you.

We recognize that those of us in our 20s and 30s are juggling a lot – from demanding jobs to rising costs of living. That's why we're focused on creating an organization that adds value to your life rather than just another obligation. We want this to be a place where you actually want to show up.

This is about building something that truly represents the energy, diversity, and potential of our generation in Hudson County. I hope you'll join us in writing the next chapter of this important organization.

We’ll soon announce the details of our first event, which will take place on the evening of Wednesday, June 18. Please follow us on Twitter/X and Instagram at @HudsonCountyYoungDemocrats for those details. If you're between 18 and 36 and care about making Hudson County an even better place to live, we'd love to see you there.

In the meantime, if you’d like to join us, please fill in your information here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSckQxJKcNNjuXpSpMEvVvyzgLA_qXA9VX24DL0391GfgDSW4A/viewform. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to email us at: HudsonCountyYoungDemocrats@gmail.com – we’d love to hear from you.