The El Paso County Democratic Party named long-time Colorado Springs resident Annie Schmitt as the new executive director.

Schmitt will take over for Christy Le Lait who held the position for five years. Read The Gazette’s exit interview with Le Lait who was battling at the center of the John Morse recall election.

She has been active in Colorado politics for years and most recently was elected to be 1st Vice Chair of the local party in 2015. She was a neighborhood organizer for Obama for America and a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte.

“I am excited that Annie Schmitt has been chosen to be the next executive director,” Le Lait said. “She is going to do great things for the party and the community.”

The party will officially welcome Schmitt form 5 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 2 at Southside Johnnys, 528 S Tejon.

Kathleen Richer, chair of the local party, said there were 11 applications to fill the seat.