Rising State, Local Political Leaders Recognized
WASHINGTON — Up-and-coming state and local leaders from eight states were recognized on Tuesday by The NewDEAL, a Democratic Party-affiliated political organization dedicated to developing a network of rising elected officials.
The NewDEAL, an acronym for “Developing Exceptional American Leaders,” was established in 2011 by honorary co-chairs Martin O’Malley, a former Democratic governor of Maryland, and former Sen. Mark Begich, D-Alaska. Today, the organization is composed of a 195-person network of elected officials from 49 states.
Across its 11 years of existence, over 1,750 nominations have been filed for recognition by the organization. Some of The NewDEAL’s past recipients have included Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, former Rep. Stacey Abrams, D-Ga., and former Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander.
“I am excited to welcome the members of our new class who exemplify innovative, forward-thinking leadership,” NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan said in a written statement. “These public servants are setting the standard for understanding government’s role in solving problems, advancing equity, and expanding economic opportunity. We look forward to highlighting their thoughtful approach to governing and to working with them to build on the work of NewDEALers across the country who are developing and spreading good ideas.”
The individuals were selected for their commitments to implementing “pro-growth progressive solutions” and policy recommendations, according to NewDEAL. The organization’s current honorary co-chairs are Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., Rep. Marilyn Strickland, D-Wash., and former mayor of Columbia, South Carolina, Steve Benjamin.
The new class of NewDEAL prospective leaders are state Sens. Antonio Hayes of Maryland, Michael Brooks Jimenez of Oklahoma, Winnie Brinks of Michigan, Mayors Quentin Hart of Waterloo, Iowa, and Rosalynn Bliss of Grand Rapids, Michigan, state Rep. Josh Boschee of North Dakota, Sonoma County Supervisor James Gore of California, Middlesex County Commissioner Deputy Director Shanti Narra of New Jersey and Richland County Councilmember Jesica Mackey of South Carolina.
Reece can be reached at [email protected].
