Press Releases
New Democrat Coalition Elects New Leadership and Inducts 23 New Members Ahead of 119th Congress
Washington,
November 20, 2024
Washington, D.C. – Tonight, New Democrat Coalition Members and Members-Elect selected Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10) as the New Dem Chair for the 119th Congress. Additionally, Rep. Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) will serve as Vice Chair for Policy, Salud Carbajal (CA-24) will serve as Vice Chair for Outreach, Josh Harder (CA-09) will serve as Vice Chair for Member Services, and Marc Veasey (TX-33) will serve as Vice Chair for Communications. In addition, by unanimous vote, the Coalition inducted 23 Members-elect to join the Coalition in the 119th Congress, one of the largest freshman classes in Coalition history. Members-elect voted unanimously for Representative-Elect Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08) to serve as the Freshman Leadership Representative. Each elected Member of New Dem Leadership brings diverse experiences, expertise, and perspective, and will be instrumental as the Coalition prepares to hold the House Republican Leadership accountable and break through partisan gridlock whenever possible in the 119th Congress. “Serving as New Dem Chair has been one of the greatest honors of my Congressional career,” said New Democrat Coalition Chair Annie Kuster (NH-02). “In the 118th Congress, New Dems played a key role in reaching bipartisan deals to deliver for the American people. Heading into the 119th Congress, greater in numbers and in influence, New Dems are once again poised to make a significant impact as Democrats face an uphill battle in Congress. “During a time when pragmatic, common-sense leaders are needed more than ever, I couldn’t be happier that my friend and colleague Brad Schneider will be guiding New Dems alongside an exceptional group of Vice Chairs. At a record-setting 108 Members-strong, New Dems will continue the fight on behalf of the American people, from growing the economy and lowering costs to expanding freedoms, increasing border security, and strengthening public safety. That’s why we’re the Can Do Caucus!” NDC Chair-Elect Brad Schneider issued the following statement: “It is an extraordinary honor to be chosen by my colleagues to be the next Chair of the New Dem Coalition for the 119th Congress. I am proud to build on the successes of all those who have served in this role before me. “This past election, New Dems showed how Democrats can connect with voters and win in states all across the country. New Dem members and candidates held swing-district seats and flipped red seats blue, narrowing what was already one of the thinnest GOP majorities in history. When Congress reconvenes in January, New Dems will number at least 108 members, counting more than half of the Democratic Caucus in our ranks. We look forward to working together with all our Democratic colleagues and our newly reelected leadership—Hakeem Jeffries, Katherine Clark, and fellow New Dem Pete Aguilar. “As Chair, I will harness the extensive wisdom and expertise of all our members. More than our numbers, our diversity is our great strength that will empower us to oppose the regressive actions of the incoming Trump Administration and the extreme policies of the House GOP. At the same time, we will always welcome any opportunity to reach across the aisle to partner on pragmatic solutions that move our nation forward. "I’m also excited to work with our growing Coalition to expand the involvement and impact of all New Dem members, together with our new Vice Chairs, Nikki Budzinski, Salud Carbajal, Josh Harder and Marc Veasey. As we face the challenges – and opportunities – that the next Congress presents, I’m confident that New Dems will make our voices heard and will continue to champion policies that help grow our economy, build the middle class, keep America at the cutting-edge of innovation, and produce the real progress that Americans want and deserve.” New Dem Leadership for the 119th Congress Chair:
Vice Chairs:
Freshman Leadership Representative:
In the coming days, Chair-Elect Schneider will appoint additional Members to the leadership team pursuant to the Coalition’s bylaws. Members-elect inducted into New Dems for the 119th Congress
Members to be inducted: * race has yet to be called by the AP
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