New Dems Induct Brown, Williams Into Coalition

WASHINGTON — The New Democrat Coalition has inducted its two newest members – Reps. Shontel Brown, of Ohio, and Nikema Williams, of Georgia.

The New Democrat Coalition is the largest Democratic ideological caucus in the House, with Brown and Nikema, who were inducted through a unanimous vote, bringing its total to 97 members.

The group is committed to “pro-economic, pro-innovation and fiscally responsible policies,” according to its website.

Brown represents Ohio’s 11th congressional district, the district previously served by the Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary, Marcia Fudge. 

Brown was elected to Congress in a special election on Nov. 2, 2021.

She is currently a member of the House Agriculture Committee and the House Committee on Oversight and Reform. 

Prior to running for Congress, Brown was a member of the Cuyahoga County Council and she continues to chair the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party.

“I’m honored to become the newest member of the New Democrat Coalition, a group of solutions-oriented Democrats dedicated to bridging the partisan divide and delivering real results for the American people,” Brown said after her induction. 

“As we work to tackle the pressing challenges facing our nation, I look forward to working with the Coalition to advance President Biden’s vision to build back better—and more equitably—than before. Thank you to Chair DelBene and all NDC members for welcoming me to the coalition with open arms,” she said.

Williams represents Georgia’s 5th congressional district, the district formerly held by her mentor and friend, the late Rep. John Lewis. 

She is a member of the House Committee on Financial Services and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Prior to her election to Congress, she was a member of the Georgia State Senate.

“Atlanta unfortunately has the largest racial wealth gap in the country,” Williams said. “The fates of our businesses and the people who work there are interconnected. In Georgia’s 5th Congressional District, we’ve seen how corporate partners can work together with elected officials and community leaders to serve the people and advance social justice. My district is a global business hub and one of the strongest incubators of Black wealth. 

“As a member of the New Democrat Coalition, I’ll continue to focus on pro-growth policies that will help to close the racial wealth gap, bringing us one step closer to the promise of America for all, regardless of your ZIP code or bank account,” she said.

Commenting on the newest inductees, Coalition Chair Suzan DelBene, of Washington state, said the “new Dems are excited about the ideas, dedication, and experience Reps. Brown and Nikema bring to the Coalition as we work on policies to create opportunities for all Americans and grow our economy.”

“New Dems are delivering real results for the American people in the 117th Congress with the American Rescue Plan, the bipartisan infrastructure law, and the Build Back Better Act. As the largest House Democratic ideological caucus, we will build on this work and continue to get things done for the American people,” DelBene said.

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