As a lifelong Democrat, Shams AbdusSamad has been involved in the Democratic Party in Arizona since 2007, fired up by then Senator Barack Obama when he visited ASU.

Since 2010, Shams has served the party directly as a PC, as a volunteer, as a State Committee Person, and as an at-large Executive Committee Member for the Arizona Democratic Party. Shams served five terms as the Treasurer for her legislative district.

In 2016, Shams was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention.

In 2022, she ran for the LD11 State House as a Clean Elections candidate. Following her unsuccessful 2022 Arizona Primary, the next day Shams was out knocking doors encouraging voters to choose Democrats up and down the ballot.

Shams works tirelessly to serve her community; currently serving as an executive board member for the Laveen Community Council (LCC), our local non-profit organization that works for the betterment of Laveen and South Phoenix including college scholarships for eligible students.

As the appointed MCDP Secretary, Shams is looking forward to continue applying her organizational skills as the elected Secretary for the Maricopa County Democratic Party.

A graduate of Phoenix Union High School District, Shams earned her Bachelor’s and her Master’s degrees in Engineering from Arizona State University. In her rare leisure time, Shams enjoys reading, her kittens, and especially her time with family.



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