SCHNEIDER ELECTED CHAIR OF THE NEW DEMOCRAT COALITION

WASHINGTON, DC - Tonight, New Democrat Coalition Members and Members-Elect selected Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10) as the Chair of the New Democrat Coalition for the 119th Congress. Schneider issued the following statement following the vote:

"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."

The New Democrat Coalition is comprised of 108 center-left House Democrats committed to breaking through gridlock to deliver results for Americans. Representing more than half the Democratic Caucus, New Dems are united behind a mission to build an economy that works for every American.

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