DelBene Elected Chair as Moderate New Democrat Coalition Selects Leadership Team
WASHINGTON – Rep. Suzan DelBene, of Washington State, was unanimously elected Tuesday to serve as the next chair of the New Democrat Coalition.
In addition, the coalition of moderate Democrats elected five individuals — Reps. Ami Bera, of California, Sharice Davids, of Kansas, Annie Kuster, of New Hampshire, and Scott Peters, of California, to be its vice chairs for the 117th Congress.
In addition, Rep.-elect Kathy Manning, of North Carolina, was Freshman Leadership Representative.
“The New Democrat Coalition has a unique opportunity to deliver real change in the 117th Congress and I look forward to leading this diverse coalition during this pivotal time,” said DelBene, who has been a member of the coalition since she arrived in Congress in 2012.
“New Dems and its policy ideas are closely aligned to the incoming Biden-Harris administration and we will be a key partner in building the coalitions necessary to address the multiple crises the nation is currently facing,“ she said.
“One of the top things I hear from constituents is that they want governance to work again,” DelBene continued. “After years of gridlock and obstructionism, I’m focused on getting to ‘yes’ on the biggest issues before us including additional pandemic relief, better health care for all Americans, getting the middle class back to work with living wages, and investing in new, green infrastructure.”
The congresswoman is currently the coalition’s vice chair for Policy Coordination and has served in other leadership roles.
Come January, she will take over from Rep. Derek Kilmer, also of Washington State, and will be the first woman to serve in this leadership role since 2009.
Kilmer, who will serve as chair emeritus next Congress, thanked his New Dem colleagues for their support over the past two years.
“Going into the next Congress, New Democrats remain laser-focused on getting things done for the American people. We look forward to advancing our New Dem priorities by working hand in hand with the incoming Biden Administration,” he said.
In the coming days, Chair-elect DelBene will appoint additional members to the leadership team pursuant to the coalition’s bylaws.
In addition to filing the leadership positions, the coalition also inducted five new members-elect by a unanimous vote.
“These new members-elect bring real-world experiences and innovative ideas to the Coalition and they are all united around common New Dem priorities to strengthen our economic competitiveness through bold, forward-looking policy solutions,” the coalition said in a written statement.
Following the New Dem votes, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., extended his congratulations to the successful nominees.
“With this outstanding team in place, I have no doubt that New Dems will continue to offer constructive legislative proposals that advance its mission of promoting policies that support robust economic growth and increased opportunities for America’s workers and small businesses,” Hoyer said.
“I also want to congratulate the freshman Members who are joining the New Democrat Coalition today. They will bring new, diverse perspectives and broad experience to Congress and represent communities where there is a deep yearning for Washington to govern For the People,” he continued.
“As we begin to turn the page from the disastrous four years of the Trump presidency, New Dems will continue to help shape our Caucus’s agenda as we work to build back better from the COVID-19 pandemic and renew the American Dream for the next generation,” Hoyer concluded. “Working closely with the incoming Biden-Harris Administration, House Democrats will need to remain united as we advance our agenda of jobs, opportunity, affordable health care, equal justice, and a strong national security – and I look forward to partnering with New Dems to ensure that our Caucus can deliver results for the American people.”
The NDC Leadership Team for the 117th Congress
Chair
Rep. Suzan DelBene (WA-01)
Vice Chairs
Rep. Ami Bera (CA-07)
Rep. Sharice Davids (KS-03)
Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02)
Rep. Scott Peters (CA-52)
Freshman Leadership Representative
Rep.-elect Kathy Manning (NC-06)
Chair Emeritus
Rep. Derek Kilmer (WA-06)
Members-elect Inducted Into the NDC for the 117th Congress
Rep.-elect Sara Jacobs (CA-53)
Rep.-elect Carolyn Bourdeaux (GA-07)
Rep.-elect Kathy Manning (NC-06)
Rep.-elect Deborah Ross (NC-02)
Rep.-elect Marilyn Strickland (WA-10)
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