Member-at-Large (20 Positions, Vote for up to 20)
Reid Aronson - Reid has been a member of the Lex Club Executive Committee (at-large) since 2024 and a judicial delegate in 2023, 2024, and 2025. He served as the chair of the Judiciary Committee from 2024 through present, and hopes to continue to do so next year.
Vanessa Aronson - A mom of two, I'm proud to have served as Lex Club President in 2023 & 2024 and continued to serve with dedication on ExComm last year. I'm a former FSO, teacher, non-profit strategist, and Council candidate with a passion for building and serving community and standing up for democracy.
John Carlo Bautista - John Carlo Bautista was born and raised on the Upper East Side. A public servant and lifelong Democrat, he has worked on campaigns from the local to federal level across New York City and Westchester. He consistently keeps people engaged in elections and works to improve their quality of life.
Daniel Berger - Dan Berger is a financial analyst who has proudly served an Executive Committee member of the Lexington Democratic Club for the past two years. Dan and his wife Lynn have raised two children during the 30+ years they have lived on the Upper East Side.
Lynn Blackstone - During these challenging times, I want to continue my service on the Executive Committee. I will continue to be an active, successful member, participating in most of our activities. I am an UESer, who with my late husband raised our family here; I want to continue to give back.
Benjamin Blum - I’m a native New Yorker involved in Democratic politics over the last 20 years, and last decade on the UES. I am actively involved in local Democratic Clubs and found my home at Lexington Club. I have petitioned for club-endorsed candidates and look forward to being active in club activities.
Taina Borrero - Native New Yorker, longtime UES resident, Lex Club Ex Comm member, Manhattan Community Board 8 member, and congregant at East End Temple. My day job is as Senior Vice President at The Hayes Initiative, a public affairs firm. Proud alumna of Princeton University, Hunter College, and Baruch College Campus HS.
Jason Dragseth - I live in the 73rd AD and have served on the ExComm for two years. I've been a leading petition gatherer for our endorsed candidates in multiple cycles. I co-chair the club's Advocacy Committee which educates members on policy matters relevant to our community and promotes follow up action.
Jennifer Frankola-Crawford - I’m a lawyer, former public school teacher, and Special Master in NYS Supreme Court. A proud UES mom, County Committee member, and judicial delegate alternate, I’ve petitioned for candidates and joined Lex Club events. I care about our community, civic engagement, voter education, and a fair, diverse judiciary.
William Jaffe - I am a lifelong New Yorker and first year law student at Cardozo Law. I have worked in the NY human rights community for multiple years in support of asylum seekers and led advocacy missions to the UN and U.S. Congress to defend reproductive rights at home and abroad.
Kevin Keels - No one can love New York City like one born in New York City; I was born, and raised here. I am an alumni of the Allen-Stevenson School; and have worked for city institutions such as the Joseph Papp Theater; and New York City Board of Elections. I love New York.
Cade Leslie - Passionate community leader and political organizer dedicated to civic engagement. Focused on empowering local voices and strengthening local Democratic participation.
David Menegon - For over 20 years, I’ve been a community activist, serving on Community Board 8 and working with veterans programs. I’ve been an active petitioner and remain deeply committed to our community. I look forward to continuing my service to the club and contributing another productive year on the Executive Committee.
Ira Newman - Married 38 years. Three children. Three grandchildren. I have always been a registered democrat. Attorney practicing in NYS for 42 years. I have appeared before many Judges in the metropolitan counties and many upstate counties in NYS, always advocating and fighting for the rights of my clients.
Brice Peyre - Longtime Upper East Sider & member, Carnegie Hill Neighbors, Friends of U.E.S. Historic Districts & CIVITAS. Formerly an aide to Assemblyman Dick Gottfried, Press Secretary to Congress Members Carolyn Maloney & Jerry Nadler, Assistant Commissioner NYCDOT. Past President, Stonewall Democratic Club. Elected Delegate to 2004 Democratic National Convention on East Side.
Judy Randall - Involved in Manhattan Democratic politics since 2018, Judy Randall joined the Lex Club in 2022 and its executive committee in 2024. She serves on the Turtle Bay Association board and volunteers at the League of Women Voters and St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church. She's a retired reporter and homeless services caseworker.
Julie Roland - US Navy Veteran, Lieutenant Commander, Aviator. Used to fly helicopters, now the District Director to Assemblymember Alex Bores. Have two law degrees and a background in child advocacy and housing. Started my own arts 501c3 nonprofit, gave a TEDxTalk. Also a magician - have been doing magic for 27 years.
Barbara Rudder - I have been active on the Exec board, petitioning, at a street fair table, involved as a judicial member, and campaigning with our endorsed candidates. As a Community Board 8M member, I bring knowledge of district issues.
Elana Schwartz - Currently working for NYS OTDA, I previously worked for several Elected officials, including 11 years with former Congressman Joe Crowley. I've had years of experience petitioning, working with campaigns, with democratic clubs and been a judicial and alternate delegate to the Manhattan Convention. Currently I serve on the Executive Committee.
Scott Shapiro - Longtime Lex Club member, lifetime Manhattanite, and Democrat. A Forensic Psych. Trial Consultant on the Upper East Side. Volunteered in judicial campaigns since high school, current judicial delegate and alternate for several years. A deep interest in helping run more social events for the club in the new year.
Steven Shapiro - Steve Shapiro, a practicing attorney and a long-time Lex Club member, has extensive experience as a member of judicial screening panels, judicial campaigns and with campaign finance and election matters.
David Smith - I am a (mostly) retired editor, having spent 32 years at The New York Times, a dozen on the Metropolitan desk. (I ran coverage of the 1993 mayoral campaign.) I also served as editor of the Week in Review. I have organized postcard-writing projects for Democratic candidates.
Justin Smith - I’m a long time UES resident and 2025 Lex Club board member running for re-election. Graduating from UChicago and now working in global financial markets, I’m excited to help the club increase representation in the upcoming midterms.
Isabella Soldano - A native New Yorker and child of immigrants, I’m a lawyer dedicated to strengthening civic participation and community leadership across our city. Currently, I work on the campaign team of a candidate for the NYC City Council. Outside of politics, I’m an avid distance runner, painter, and proud dog owner.
Gligor Tashkovich - Executive Committee At-Large Member of Lexington Democratic Club (2024-2025); 2025 Alternate Judicial Delegate; New York County Democratic Committee; Former Minister of Government of a European country (served with State Department permission); works as Assembly District Monitor for NYC Board of Elections; Cornell University BA/MBA. 3rd Term Cornell University Council.
Emma Thanhauser - As an active member of the Ex Comm for the past two years and current Recording Secretary, I’m proud to be a supporter and representative of the Lex Club. I have served on the Dinner Committee both years and helped deliver on our fundraising goals.
Sara Venkatraman - Sara Venkatraman is a statistician and resident of Lenox Hill interested in supporting the Club’s mission through civic data analysis and technology, and in contributing to evidence-based political organizing. She is an active participant in the City’s open data initiatives.
Louie Woodall - I have served as Corresponding Secretary and assisted with numerous communications and elections-focused projects for the Club. I am excited by the opportunity to participate in a busy year of elections in 2026.