Press Releases

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) was unanimously elected Chair of the New Democrat Coalition for the 117^th Congress. The coalition is comprised of the moderate members of the U.S. House of Representatives who represent the purple districts that are the key to maintaining the Democratic House majority. New Dems will be essential to moving legislation in the next Congress because of their close alignment with the incoming Biden-Harris administration.

“The New Democrat Coalition has a unique opportunity to deliver real change in the 117^th Congress and I look forward to leading this diverse coalition during this pivotal time. 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,” said DelBene. “One of the top things I hear from constituents is that they want governance to work again. 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.”

DelBene has been a member of the New Dems since arriving in Congress in 2012. She is currently the coalition’s Vice Chair for Policy Coordination and has served in other leadership roles.

She will take over from Rep. Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and is the first woman to serve in this role since 2009.