Welcome to LEICESTER DEMOCRATIC TOWN COMMITTEE
Welcome Note from The Chair and Co-Chair
Welcome, and thank you for stopping by.
I'm Elizabeth McKenzie Zito, chair of the Leicester Democratic Committee. I moved to Leicester in 2020, at the height of the pandemic, looking for a place to put down roots - and I found a town full of neighbors who genuinely look out for one another. That's part of why my involvement in political engagement in Leicester matters so much to me.
My path into local politics began with an email from a stranger, asking if I would help reignite the Leicester Democratic Committee. I said yes, not entirely sure what it would become. That first meeting had six of us on a Zoom call. Today, the committee has grown to more than 20 active members and over 100 supporters and followers standing behind us - proof of what happens when neighbors decide to show up for each other.
Since restarting the committee, we've proudly hosted state and national leaders in Leicester. We've held town halls with Steve Kerrigan, Chair of the Massachusetts Democratic Party, and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. Congressman Jim McGovern joined us at our most recent democratic fundraising event - which also happened to be our largest turnout yet, over 200 people. No one knew ahead of time that he'd be there, so the crowd wasn't drawn by his presence - but his visit sent a clear message all the same: there is a blue movement here in Leicester, and it's being noticed at the State level.
In 2026, I was elected to a three-year term on the Leicester School Committee, which has only deepened my commitment to this town and its future. I care deeply about the political climate we're living through. I care about my neighbors, regardless of their political affiliation. I care about women's rights, and about what kind of world we leave for the next generation. And I care fiercely about transgender rights - because I am a proud, unwavering advocate for my transgender daughter and her right to live safely and fully as herself.
When I'm not organizing, I'm a mom to McKenzie, V, Smidge, and Bebe (the latter two being our cats), and I've been married nine years to my husband, Chris - my very own Lobster. (New England is known for a lot of things; apparently finding your soulmate is one of them. Lobsters mate for life, and I've decided I'm keeping the metaphor whether he likes it or not.) I work two jobs while serving on the Leicester School Committee and chairing the Leicester Democratic Committee.
This committee is built on the belief that local action matters, and that no one has to do this work alone. Whether you're ready to volunteer for an afternoon or join us as a member, there's a place for you here - and I'd love to have you.
- Elizabeth McKenzie Zito, Chair, Leicester Democratic Committee
Taryn's Hello Coming soon!
Leicester Democratic Town Committee Officers
Elizabeth Mckenzie Zito, Chair
Elizabeth Mckenzie Zito, Chair
Elizabeth Mckenzie Zito, Chair
Elizabeth was born in Georgia and grew up as an Army kid, moving throughout the country until 2020, when she settled in Leicester. Now, she is raising her family with her husband, Chris, while actively participating in political engagement in Leicester, including organizing Democratic fundraising events. Elizabeth studied Criminal Justice
Elizabeth was born in Georgia and grew up as an Army kid, moving throughout the country until 2020, when she settled in Leicester. Now, she is raising her family with her husband, Chris, while actively participating in political engagement in Leicester, including organizing Democratic fundraising events. Elizabeth studied Criminal Justice and Psychology at UMass Boston and has spent the past 35 years building a career in restaurant and event management, most recently with WorldStrides and The Kraft Group. Passionate about advocacy and service, she's a certified Rape Crisis Counselor and Worcester County Guardian ad Litem, and also serves as an elected member of the Leicester Public School Committee
Taryn Rossi, Co-Chair
Elizabeth Mckenzie Zito, Chair
Elizabeth Mckenzie Zito, Chair
Taryn was born and raised in Worcester, and in 2009, she moved to Leicester, where she now raises her family. She earned her BS in Psychology and Early Childhood Education from Worcester State and has dedicated the past 18 years to building a career in Human Resources. Taryn is passionate about creating supportive and inclusive workplaces
Taryn was born and raised in Worcester, and in 2009, she moved to Leicester, where she now raises her family. She earned her BS in Psychology and Early Childhood Education from Worcester State and has dedicated the past 18 years to building a career in Human Resources. Taryn is passionate about creating supportive and inclusive workplaces and actively participates in democratic fundraising events, serving as co-leader of her organization’s Empowering Women Employee Resource Group. Additionally, she is involved with the Leicester Democratic Committee, fostering political engagement in Leicester.
Jean F. Dalbec, Secretary
Elizabeth Mckenzie Zito, Chair
Allan Johannesen, Treasurer
A resident of Leicester since 1976, Jean retired in 2017 as Communication Consultant for the CIO at a local property & casualty company. Her passion for political engagement in Leicester inspired her to join the Leicester Democratic Committee to help locally. She holds a BS in Communications from Clark University and is eager to support Democratic fundraising events in the community.
Allan Johannesen, Treasurer
Elizabeth Mckenzie Zito, Chair
Allan Johannesen, Treasurer
Allan graduated from WPI in 1968 with a BS in engineering. After serving two years in the army, he returned to WPI to begin his career in the Information Technology department. He relocated to Leicester in 1978 and became involved with the Leicester Democratic Committee, participating in various Democratic fundraising events to boost poli
Allan graduated from WPI in 1968 with a BS in engineering. After serving two years in the army, he returned to WPI to begin his career in the Information Technology department. He relocated to Leicester in 1978 and became involved with the Leicester Democratic Committee, participating in various Democratic fundraising events to boost political engagement in Leicester. After a fulfilling 43-year career at WPI, he retired in 2013. In addition, he created and runs a website for the Women's Initiative, a charitable organization supporting middle school girls.
Online Donations through ACTBlue
Whether it's a one-time payment or a recurring donation, every contribution helps, regardless of size. This support is crucial for Democratic fundraising events organized by the Leicester Democratic Committee, as it enhances political engagement in Leicester.
Our Endorsements
Incumbent State Representative David LaBeouf Worcester 17th District
David LeBoeuf serves as State Representative for the 17th Worcester District, which includes part of the City of Worcester and part of the Town of Leicester in Massachusetts. His background — as a small business advisor, family advocate for survivors of domestic violence, and community leader successfully boosting access to healthcare and affordable housing — informs his ongoing fight for the causes that matter most to our communities.
In the 2023-24 legislative session, Rep. LeBoeuf passed comprehensive legislation eliminating the waiting period for new state hires to access health insurance. During his career in the House, he has advanced policy changes to improve educational resources for foster children, negotiated the re-opening of mental health beds, increased access to early education apprenticeships, facilitated the conversion of a closed college into a new high school, emergency family shelter, and Head Start, and modified high interest loans that were crippling small water systems. Drawing from his own experiences with addiction recovery, he has become a leading advocate for dismantling systemic barriers to treatment access and reforming the way individuals with substance use disorder are treated within the child welfare and legal systems. His legislative work is focused on removing barriers for returning citizens to access professional licenses, modernizing supports for students in foster care, eliminating environmental hazards in housing, and advancing consumer-focused insurance policies.
Prior to taking office in 2019, Rep. LeBoeuf was an Urban Business Associate at the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC), where he led implementation efforts for Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. He serves as an Executive Committee Member of the National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) and as a member of the Interstate Insurance Product Regulation Commission’s Legislative Committee. Previously Rep. LeBoeuf was an Early Childhood Policy Academy Fellow at the Hunt Institute and an Eastern Leadership Academy Fellow at the Council of State Governments, Eastern Regional Conference (CSG-ERC). Rep. LeBoeuf also serves as the Vice Chair of the Massachusetts House Progressive Caucus and is a member of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities, the Joint Committee on Housing, and the House Committee on Steering, Policy, and Scheduling.
Candidate Nick Lazarro for Worcester 7th District
Nick has served in public office since the age of 19, when he was first appointed and later elected to the Millbury School Committee in 2020 serving until 2023. Nick graduated from the College of the Holy Cross, studying Political Science. While an MBA student at Boston College Nick ran for a seat on the Board of Selectman during a contested six candidate race, coming in as top- vote getter. Nick has since served on the select board during a period of significant transformation. During his tenure thus far he has spearheaded several economic development initiatives, bolstered constituent services, and advocated for increased transparency. Nick believes public servants should be available, engaged and open to others. This year Nick has hosted several office hours, and encouraged digital feedback programs to bolster community engagement. Nick has over 6 years of local government experience with extensive knowledge on capital budgeting, project management, and education.
Nick is a self-made entrepreneur with over 7 years of vocational and professional business experience. He started his own business, "Nick's On-Site Detailing" at 18 which hires and empowers young people saving for school. Most recently Nick started a boutique strategy consulting firm, “Lazzaro Strategic Advisors” where he provides development & transformational strategy implementation for small businesses and non profit organizations. In 2022 Nick was named the youngest ever 40 Under 40 in the Worcester Business Journal, and voted Best of Business in 2024. He takes great pride in his philanthropy work where he has support many local organizations, and started two scholarships for students in Millbury. Nick believes in the importance of giving back, services and compassion for others. His Jesuit values inform his businesses, public service and leadership.
Nick accredits his passion for business and service to the incredible educators, mentors and customers who supported him. He is a strong proponent of education, scouting, and the Jesuit mission which have all played key parts to inspiring his dedication to service for others. Nick is a proud Eagle Scout from Troop 110 Millbury, Meals on Wheels Driver for Millbury, and support of the American Heart Association.
Candidate Shannon Teabo for State Senate Worcester-Hampshire District
Born and raised in Central Massachusetts, Shannon has lived the struggles of the working people in Massachusetts. Shannon grew up in Northborough and graduated from Algonquin Regional High School. She went on to attend Worcester State University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Shannon has professional experience in customer service, veterinary hospital work, and human services. She has made her home in West Brookfield for the past seven years, where she and her husband moved to have land for their horses and to start their family.
She has faced the daunting task of raising a child in an environment unsupportive of young first-time parents. She has also seen the results of Boston pushing their problems into our communities firsthand.
Shannon will bring fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and advocacy for communities that have felt left behind by Boston politicians. She doesn’t have the baggage of previously formed political ties that would make a Senator beholden to those in power. She will be a servant of the people of the Worcester & Hampshire district. She will stand in her beliefs, her passion and empathy for her constituents!