New Democrat Coalition Elects 114th Congress Leadership, Inducts Five New Members

Washington, D.C. – The pro-growth House New Democrat Coalition unanimously elected its new leadership team for the 114th Congress this afternoon. Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) was re-elected Chairman of the Coalition, while Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Susan Davis (D-CA), Jim Himes (D-CT) and Jared Polis (D-CO) were elected to serve as Vice-Chairs. In addition, the Coalition elected Rep. John Carney (D-DE) as its Whip for the 114th Congress.

“As leaders of the New Democrat Coalition, we pledge to work together on a growth agenda that speaks to Americans’ hopes for a brighter economic future,” the leaders said in a joint statement. “Whether it’s revolutionizing the ways we prepare people for the jobs of the future, encouraging a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, or maintaining America’s competitiveness in a rapidly-shifting global economy, the New Dems will be at the forefront of the effort to modernize the policy and messaging of the Democratic Caucus.”

In related news, the New Democrat Coalition inducted five new Members into the organization this afternoon: Reps-elect Pete Aguilar (D-CA), Brad Ashford (D-NE), Don Beyer (D-VA), Gwen Graham (D-FL) and Kathleen Rice (D-NY). The Members-elect were admitted to the Coalition by a unanimous vote.

“I am pleased to welcome Pete, Brad, Don, Gwen and Kathleen to the New Democrat Coalition,” Chairman Kind said in a statement. “The success these new Members have had is in no small part due to their commitment to the ‘New Democrat’ vision of economic growth and smart government. We look forward to incorporating their unique, real-world perspectives as we work to develop a national message that speaks to Americans’ real, pocketbook economic concerns and their desires for a government that is both efficient and accountable.”

Click here for a text-only list of the New Democrat Coalition’s membership for the 114th Congress.

Below are profiles of the incoming New Democrats in the 114th Congress.

Pete Aguilar (CA-31)

As Mayor and a member of the city council in Redlands, California, Pete Aguilar worked across the aisle to find smart solutions to boos the city’s economy. He was able to balance the city’s budget, turning a multi-million dollar deficit into a surplus while simultaneously improving the city’s credit rating and infrastructure. Aguilar’s efforts as Mayor helped to energize Redlands’ reputation as a top destination for new businesses. A fourth-generation resident of California’s Inland Empire, he is also a former small business owner.

Brad Ashford (NE-02)

For the last three decades, Brad Ashford has worked across party lines to help everyday Nebraskans achieve a piece of the American dream. Born and raised in a fifth-generation Nebraskan family, Brad learned the value of a hard day’s work while stocking shelves at his parents’ small business. During his sixteen-year career in the Nebraska Unicameral, he modernized business incentives, making Nebraska one of the best places to start a business in the United States. He helped pass the largest tax cut in the state’s history while safeguarding key priorities.

Don Beyer (VA-08)

Don Beyer is a successful businessman with over 40 years of private-sector experience. He became general manager of his family’s Volvo dealership by age 25 and purchased the business in 1986. As Chair of the Virginia Economic Recovery Commission and as Virginia’s 36th Lieutenant Governor, Don helped to usher in pro-business reforms that helped to strengthen the climate for job creation in the state. He co-founded the Northern Virginia Technology Council.

Gwen Graham (FL-02)

Gwen Graham has arrived in Congress to bring the “North Florida Way” to Washington – a strong tradition of independent, common-sense leadership geared to fostering economic growth. Gwen’s first experience in public service came as PTA president and chair of her local School Advisory Council, where she developed a strong relationship with leaders on both sides of the aisle and a reputation for building consensus from conflict.

Kathleen Rice (NY-04)

Called “New York’s ‘Eliot Ness’” by a Long Island newspaper, Kathleen Rice’s innovative crime-reduction strategies and progressive reforms as District Attorney of Nassau County earned her national notoriety. The New York Daily News dubbed Kathleen “the state’s toughest DWI prosecutor” for her efforts to secure Long Island’s first DWI-murder convictions and change statewide DWI law. 

The New Democrat Coalition is dedicated to maintaining America’s standing as the world’s strongest, most successful nation. Founded in 1997, the New Dems believe firmly in the power of American ingenuity and innovation, and are focused on finding ways to foster and harness this creativity to grow our economy, create new American jobs, and ensure a safer and more secure future for our country. 

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