New Democrat Coalition Members and Members-Elect selected Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10) as the New Dem Chair for the 119th Congress. Additionally, Rep. Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) will serve as Vice Chair for Policy, Rep. Salud Carbajal (CA-24) will serve as Vice Chair for Outreach, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) will serve as Vice Chair for Member Services, and Rep. Marc Veasey (TX-33) will serve as Vice Chair for Communications.

In addition, by unanimous vote, the Coalition inducted 23 Members-elect to join the Coalition in the 119th Congress, one of the largest freshman classes in Coalition history. Members-elect voted unanimously for Representative-Elect Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08) to serve as the Freshman Leadership Representative.

Each elected Member of New Dem Leadership brings diverse experiences, expertise, and perspective, and will be instrumental as the Coalition prepares to hold the House Republican Leadership accountable and break through partisan gridlock whenever possible in the 119th Congress.

“Serving as New Dem Chair has been one of the greatest  honors of my Congressional career,” said New Democrat Coalition Chair Annie Kuster (NH-02). “In the 118th Congress, New Dems played a key role in reaching bipartisan deals to deliver for the American people. Heading into the 119th Congress, greater in numbers and in influence, New Dems are once again poised to make a significant impact as Democrats face an uphill battle in Congress. ...

New Democrat Coalition Chair Annie Kuster (NH-02) issued a statement following the House Democratic Caucus Elections, where lawmakers re-elected Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), Whip Katherine Clark (MA-05), and Caucus Chairman and New Dem Member Pete Aguilar (CA-33) to lead the Caucus in the 119th Congress.

New Dems were elected to prominent positions across House Democratic Leadership. Rep. Susie Lee was elected as Battleground Leadership Representative by returning Frontline Members and incoming Red-to-Blue Members to serve as their voice in House Leadership. Additionally Rep. Lori Trahan (MA-03) was re-elected as Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC) Co-Chair.

Today, upon returning from the COP 29 summit in Azerbaijan over the weekend, New Democrat Coalition Climate Change and Clean Energy Task Force Chair Scott Peters (CA-50) issued a statement on the New Dems’ commitment to meeting our climate goals and to working to prevent the next Administration from reversing the progress we’ve made. 

“As Congress prepares for a new administration, we cannot lose sight of one of the top threats facing our nation and our planet: climate change. The U.S. must use our seat at the table as one of the most powerful countries in the world – including at the ongoing COP29 in Azerbaijan – to show that the United States remains steadfast in our commitment to our climate goals. 

“The New Democrat Coalition Climate Change and Clean Energy Task Force will work tirelessly to protect the key investments we’ve made through the Inflation Reduction Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and other key pieces of legislation to transition to a clean energy economy. 

“We know there is room for bipartisan collaboration. From permitting reform and clean energy innovation to lowering energy costs and strengthening American energy security, New Dems are ready to work across the aisle to ensure we build on the progress we’ve made – not undo it.”