Sarah Locke, who has served as U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro’s campaign manager, has been named Executive Director of the Connecticut Democrats, helping steer the state party through upcoming election season, Chairman Nancy DiNardo announced today. 

Locke, who has worked for more than a decade in campaign managing and community organizing, will run the day-to-day operations of the party and a staff of five starting next month. She replaces Jacqueline Kozin, who served as Executive Director of the party from 2019 until last November. 

“Sarah Locke brings diversity and hands-on experience working with town committees on behalf of Congresswoman DeLauro and as a member of the New Haven Democratic Town Committee, that will allow her to hit the ground running for Connecticut Democrats. The state party’s work doesn’t just focus on Election Day, but in coordinating party operations at every level, from local town committee membership and leadership through nominating conventions and the general campaign. Sarah does that work every day, and we welcome her in her new role as executive director,” Nancy DiNardo said.

“Serving as campaign manager for Congresswoman DeLauro has been an invaluable experience and the honor of a lifetime. Working for Rosa gave me a robust skill set that I am excited to carry with me to my new role as Executive Director of the Connecticut Democratic Party. It is a privilege to be joining this talented team and I look forward to continuing their important work and serving the state and party,” Sarah Locke said. 

“Sarah Locke is a New Haven native and life-long Connecticut resident who has spent her career fighting for better opportunities for everyone in our state,” said Gov. Ned Lamont. “From her first days volunteering on an alder race in New Haven to her work for Representative Rosa DeLauro, Sarah knows what it means to organize in and fight for every community in Connecticut. I’m thrilled to welcome Sarah to her new role as Executive Director of the Connecticut Democratic Party and I look forward to working with her to keep Connecticut moving forward.”

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro congratulated Locke on her new job. “Over the course of the last three years, Sarah has led my campaign office with great enthusiasm, energy, integrity and dedication.” said DeLauro.  “As candidate and manager you end up spending a lot of time together and getting to know each other well. Sarah is more than an employee, she is family and it is always hard to see family go.  However, I know she will bring the same energy and commitment to her new position as Executive Director of Connecticut’s State Democratic Party and I look forward to continuing our work together on behalf of Democrats across the state,” DeLauro said. 

As campaign manager for Friends of Rosa DeLauro, Locke managed the congresswoman’s successful 2020 campaign, field and online operations, record breaking fundraising from Connecticut and surrounding states, speechwriting, and coordination with elected officials, Democratic Town Committees, and community organizations. 

Previously, she managed the campaign of Jorge Cabrera for State Senate, and served as a field organizer for Chris Mattei’s bid for Attorney General. 

She is a member of the Advisory Board for Equality CT; serves on the New Haven Board of Zoning Appeals; and is co-chair of the New Haven Democratic Town Committee.