Washington, DC– Last night, former DNC Chair Chuck Manatt passed away. In recognition of his passing, DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement:

“With Chuck Manatt’s passing our country and our party lost a very good man. A lifelong Democrat, Chuck got his start in politics as a 16-year-old volunteer for Adlai Stevenson’s 1952 presidential campaign – and he was a dedicated Democratic organizer ever after. The chair of the California Democratic Party in the 1970s, he gained national recognition for his dedication to Democratic candidates and Democratic ideas. He served as the Chair of the Democratic National Committee from 1981 to 1985, helping Democrats to regain their footing after the election of Ronald Reagan, overseeing a number of important gubernatorial victories in 1982, and establishing the first permanent DNC headquarters. After departing as DNC Chair, Chuck remained an active force for change across the country and, as an ambassador to the Dominican Republic, around the world. His opinion remained sought after to the day of his death, and his influence will long be felt in our party. My thoughts go out to his family and friends and all those in our Democratic Party who are missing him today.”