Calli and Sunjay for DNC | DNC Member Candidates

Calli Tullis &

Sunjay Muralitharan

for DNC Member

Gen-Z California college students running for DNC Member

Our Priorities

Including young BIPOC voices within internal party affairs

As a bi-racial Korean American and a first generation Indian American, Calli and Sunjay understand the added struggles of growing up as minorities in an ever changing nation. From juggling cultural identities, to facing stereotypes from peers, instructors and community members, Calli and Sunjay bring a much needed perspective to an underrepresented generation and minority groups in the Democratic Party.

Re-engaging young voters

As college-aged Democrats, Calli and Sunjay see first hand the growing apathy of young voters towards the Democratic Party and the electoral process. Voters aged 18-29 see the lowest turnout of all Americans with less than a quarter voting in the 2022 midterms elections. Young Americans’ passivity comes from a lack of knowledge about and representation within the party. Calli and Sunjay will work to foster greater collaboration with youth groups within the party, like College Democrats of America, Young Democrats of America and High School Democrats of America, by emphasizing education and transparency.

Promoting accessible pathways to adulthood

As young adults joining the workforce, Calli and Sunjay understand the challenges in navigating higher education and entering the workforce. With a globalizing economy, a competitive job market and the rising cost of college, all pathways to education and employment should be encouraged. Calli and Sunjay will support the expansion of resources for all Americans to find affordable vocational and academic post-secondary education options.

Securing affordable housing for the next generation

As young adults entering the real estate market, Calli and Sunjay know firsthand the difficulties of finding affordable housing. Home ownership, which was a middle class norm for our parent’s generation, has become a luxury that only those making six figures can afford. With this in mind, Calli and Sunjay will advocate for greater development of affordable housing complexes as well as expand supportive housing programs to ensure Generation Z can go to bed with a roof over their head.

Combating Climate Change

As members of the generation inheriting our planet, Calli and Sunjay recognize the imminent threat of climate change. Young people stand as the most impacted stakeholders on the issue of climate, and are committed to securing a safe and habitable world for ourselves and future generations. Calli and Sunjay will champion a reduction of reliance on fossil fuels, embrace renewable energy and prepare for the inevitable impacts of preceding environmental shifts.

Tackling the Gun Violence Epidemic

Throughout their years of schooling, Calli and Sunjay learned how to duck and cover upon the entry of a school shooter between instruction on their ABCs and 123s. They stand alongside countless youth throughout our nation who are burdened with the fear of bullets as they pursue their right to education. Hence, Calli and Sunjay plan on being a voice against such a perilous reality by championing common sense gun legislation, ranging from mandatory background checks, assault weapon bans, magazine capacity restrictions and a greater emphasis on mental health assistance in the public education system.

Speakers

The Candidates

Calli Tullis

President, College Democrats at

UC San Diego

Calli Tullis is a 21 year old queer biracial woman studying political science and data analytics at the University of California - San Diego. She serves as President of the College Democrats at UC San Diego, as a higher education policy advocate within the Office of the Chancellor at UC San Diego, and is a former child actor.

Sunjay Muralitharan

National Vice President, College Democrats of America

Sunjay Muralitharan is a 19 year old first generation Indian American studying political science at the University of California - San Diego. He serves as the National Vice President of College Democrats of America, the only Gen-Z DNC member in California and is a New York Times featured activist.