New Democrat Coalition Welcomes Two New Members

WASHINGTON – The New Democrat Coalition has welcomed two new members to its ranks in the 116th Congress: Representatives Donna Shalala, D-Fla., and Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif.

Shalala, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under President Bill Clinton, has been representing Florida’s 27th congressional district since 2019.

Between her time in the Clinton administration and her election to Congress, she served as President of the University of Miami, a private university in Coral Gables, Florida.

Panetta was initially elected to represent California’s 20th congressional district in 2016, after working as a deputy district attorney for Monterey County.

Panetta graduated from Carmel High School in Carmel, California. He then attended Monterey Peninsula College and University of California, Davis, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in international relations.

After interning at the United States Department of State, Panetta received his law degree from Santa Clara University School of Law.

He later joined the United States Navy Reserve as an intelligence officer and completed a tour of duty in the War in Afghanistan in 2007 while attached to Joint Special Operations Command, for which he was awarded the Bronze Star.

“The strength of the New Democrat Coalition is its extraordinary members, and we’re excited to offer two new ones who will continue our efforts to push Congress to look at old problems through a new lens,” said New Democrat Coalition Chair Derek Kilmer.

“Donna and Jimmy – like the rest of our coalition – are laser-focused on getting things done,” Kilmer continued. “The New Democrat Coalition is committed to progress and governing and believe leaders should work together so everyone has an opportunity to succeed in the changing economy.”  

“Together the New Democrat Coalition can help ensure Congress creates more economic opportunities for more people in more places,” he said.

The New Democrat Coalition is the largest ideological caucus in the House boasting membership of over 100 forward-thinking Democrats who are committed to pro-economic growth, pro-innovation, and fiscally responsible policies.