Partnership to provide rising Democratic stars with political backing, leadership development, and governing support to advance center-left vision for the country

For Immediate Release:

DATE:  March 31, 2025

CONTACT: Jonathan Dworkin, The NewDEAL, [email protected]

Washington, D.C. – NewDEAL Leaders – a selective network of center-left state and local Democrats – and The Next 50 — an organization that identifies and invests in 50 next-generation candidates every cycle — today announced a landmark partnership that will cultivate the next generation of exceptional Democratic talent. The investment in rising Democratic leaders will ensure the Party develops and supports strong candidates and elected officials, pursues effective policies in ways that lead to political success, and connects with voters in every zip code as these leaders prepare for the 2026 election cycle and beyond.

By leveraging their combined expertise and expansive leadership networks, NewDEAL and The Next 50 will build a robust Democratic talent pipeline by combining The Next 50’s electoral backing and campaign tools with the network, policy, and skills support that NewDEAL provides, ensuring candidates are equipped to win elections and deliver meaningful progress at the local, state, and national levels. The strategic partnership will also create a pathway for rising Democratic stars to share transformative policy ideas, access leadership development opportunities in communications and other areas, and receive the support they need to excel in their public service careers.

The Next 50 and NewDEAL have a strong history of identifying early and supporting Democrats who have risen to national prominence. For example, both organizations have worked with U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego (AZ), U.S. Representative Sarah McBride (DE), U.S. Representative Janelle Bynum (OR), and Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow. One in four NewDEAL Leaders goes on to not only run for but to win higher office.

Key outcomes of the strategic partnership include: 

• Leader Identification and Support: Vet, endorse, and provide political and policy support to emerging leaders who have a shared vision and values.
• Integrated Leadership Development Programming: Leaders will gain access to both organizations’ networks, policy resources, skill building, and national convenings.
• Resource Sharing and Mentorship: Leaders will benefit from shared access to best practice handbooks, policy briefings, training materials, and mentorship opportunities that will enhance their ability to govern effectively.
• Commitment to Long-Term Development: Participants in The Next 50’s Candidate Leadership Development Program (CLDP) who meet NewDEAL’s criteria will be integrated into the NewDEAL network, ensuring a continuous pipeline of talent ready to take on the most pressing challenges of our time – including the cost of living, affordability, and accessible healthcare.

“The time for building our bench with talented, next-generation leaders who can win tough races is now—not tomorrow, not next year. As both a state senator and a long-time NewDEAL Leader myself, and leader of The Next 50, I’ve seen how our organizations support elected officials who deliver practical solutions,” said Zach Wahls, Executive Director of The Next 50. “This partnership is an urgent and necessary response to our country’s need for pragmatic, reform-minded leaders who can win tough races and effectively govern once in office. In this critical moment, we need leaders focused on fixing broken systems and who champion policies that expand economic opportunity for all Americans. This is precisely what our partnership will deliver.”

“At a time when the future of our democracy depends on strong, capable leadership, we must do everything we can to build Democratic talent in communities across the country,” said Debbie Cox Bultan, CEO of NewDEAL. “Our partnership with The Next 50 is about ensuring these rising stars have the tools, mentorship, and policy expertise they need to deliver real solutions for their communities on the issues that unite us – like affordability, accessible healthcare, and quality education. By investing in this next generation of center-left leaders, we can strengthen the Democratic Party’s ability to compete, govern, and drive meaningful change in 2026 and beyond.”

“As both a NewDEAL Leader and a member of The Next 50’s Leadership Council, I’ve experienced firsthand the tremendous value each organization brings to developing effective public servants,” said Congresswoman Sarah McBride (D-DE). “This partnership marks an exciting new chapter that combines NewDEAL’s policy expertise with TN50’s talent pipeline. What makes this collaboration special is its focus on pragmatic problem-solvers who prioritize practical solutions—state and local leaders committed to addressing the everyday issues that impact Americans’ everyday lives. Together, we’re building a bench of leaders who can rebuild trust in government, connect with voters across the political spectrum, and deliver meaningful results for their communities.”  

“This partnership between NewDEAL and The Next 50 is a game changer for building the next generation of Democratic leaders who can advance innovative solutions and tackle the nation’s most pressing challenges,” said U.S. Representative Janelle Bynum (OR-05). “Now more than ever, Americans need leaders who can make real progress on costs and jobs, on healthcare and housing, and on making sure all of our kids receive a quality education. Together, the NewDEAL and The Next 50 are playing a key role in supporting Democratic lawmakers who share a bold vision to deliver that progress.”

“Our party is in need of a new generation of leadership, and the partnership between The Next 50 and NewDEAL will build the deep bench of Democratic talent needed to deliver meaningful progress and win competitive races,” said Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow. “I’ve been a member of both of these organizations for years now, and to see the two of them team up is nothing but a recipe for success. They’re at the forefront of identifying, preparing, and supporting common sense Democratic leaders who will deliver a better future for Americans everywhere, and I’m excited to see the impact of them formally coming together.”

About NewDEAL

The NewDEAL is a selective center-left network of state and local elected leaders from across the nation. Our mission is to scour the country to lift up the best and brightest elected officials who are pragmatic and get results – including council members, county executives, mayors, state legislators, and state-wide leaders below the level of governor. Many go on to higher office at the federal, state, and local levels. The network promotes their ideas for expanding opportunity, spurring economic growth, and creating broadly shared, sustainable progress.

About The Next 50

The Next 50 was founded in 2019 to build a stronger and more representative democracy. They do so by investing in 50 next-generation candidates every cycle, 50 years and under, up and down the ballot in swing districts and states. To support this work, they are building a next-generation donor network that centers civic and political philanthropy in their giving strategy. Since their launch, they have raised over $12 million and those who they have introduced to political giving have invested millions more in the movement. Through the leaders they invest in and the donor community they grow, they plan to build strong and sustainable leadership representative of communities for decades to come.

For Immediate Release:

DATE:  March 5, 2025

CONTACT: Jonathan Dworkin, The NewDEAL, [email protected]

Washington, D.C. – NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan issued the following statement on President Trump’s joint address to Congress:

“Last November, voters sent a clear message that they want elected leaders focused squarely on building an economy that works for them and making the cost of living more affordable.

“Yet President Trump continues to make clear that he has ignored those pleas, opting instead for a reckless approach to governing – slashing government to the bone, launching a trade war, and seeking to pay for deficit-busting tax cuts for the wealthy by taking away people’s health care.

“NewDEAL state and local elected leaders across the country have described Trump’s first few weeks in office as ‘absolute chaos.’ They have witnessed the real impacts of the assault on federal workers, 80 percent of whom live outside the DC area, and have shared stories of constituents like veterans losing jobs and access to hard-earned benefits and Head Start centers that have not received promised federal funds to keep their doors open for child care.

“Sadly, President Trump’s address to Congress doubled down on the chaos of his first month in office, promising Americans more hardship than hope.

“In light of this irresponsible leadership, Democrats have a critical task ahead: demonstrating to the American people that we are the party that will deliver meaningful progress on the issues that matter the most, starting with the economy.

“To set a national agenda, Democrats should look to the example of state and local leaders who prioritize building communities where everyday families can thrive. They are investing in affordable housing and child care, supporting well-paid jobs in areas like clean energy, and creating pathways for students to successful careers.

“Americans shouldn’t have to choose between big government and no government—they want effective government. Democrats must show how smart, competent governance helps build prosperous, safe, and stable communities for all Americans.

“Despite the divisive rhetoric of President Trump, NewDEAL will continue to press forward with a forward-looking agenda, showing the American people what real leadership looks like and what real government effectiveness and efficiency can accomplish.”

NewDEAL Leaders is a selective national network of rising state and local Democrats.

For Immediate Release:

DATE:  January 29, 2025

CONTACT: Jonathan Dworkin, The NewDEAL, [email protected]

Washington, D.C. – The NewDEAL strongly opposes the Trump Administration’s order to freeze federal grants and loans, thereby withholding key resources from American families, communities, and non-profits. 

President Trump’s intended freeze stymies the work of state and local elected officials who work tirelessly and directly with community members to deliver services to people in need, expand access to childcare, create good-paying jobs, develop affordable housing units, and take on more big challenges to make life better for everyday Americans. 

Such a move runs counter to Donald Trump’s campaign promises to build a strong economy and “end the weaponization of government against the American people.” Instead, this action stokes fear and division while threatening to cut funding for local police and fire departments, Head Start preschool programs, and initiatives that support homeless veterans, among other things. 

With President Trump’s overreach of power temporarily blocked by federal court, we urge him to reverse course, and we remain committed to uplifting and advocating for state and local leaders in spite of attempts from the Trump Administration to weaken their good work.

Response from NewDEAL Leaders

• Josh Becker, California State Senator, told press: “This freeze on federal grants is illegal, immoral, and dangerous. These funds support critical programs and jobs that people depend on every day. Halting them would put lives at risk, jeopardize major infrastructure projects, and hurt the economy by driving up unemployment.”

• Adrian Boafo, Maryland State Delegate, posted on X: “To all the Marylanders in our state, I want you to know that if Donald Trump freezes federal assistance, @MDDems in the legislature will work around the clock to ensure that you are protected. We will not stay silent and do nothing while Trump takes away your benefits.”
  
• Royce Duplessis, Louisiana State Senator, posted on X: “Federal aid is crucial for Louisiana families, particularly as New Orleans gears up to host the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras—both SEAR 1 events requiring significant resources for safety and security.”

• Kate Farrar, Connecticut State Representative, posted on Instagram: “A judge has temporarily halted some of Trump’s illegal efforts to freeze federal funds to the states but this is not over. I stand strong as a part of the Connecticut firewall to protect our residents. #stayengaged #statelegislaturesmatter”

• Bill Ferguson, Maryland Senate President, posted on X: “As new information becomes available from the Trump Administration’s EOs, including a pause in federal grants here in Maryland, I remain engaged with my team and MD officials to share the latest information with Marylanders and our State House press corps.”

• Aaron Ford, Nevada Attorney General, posted on Blusky: “Our Office is aware of the Trump Administration’s intent to halt federal assistance programs. Any pause to critical funding will harm Nevadans, weaken public safety and negatively affect programs like Medicaid and SNAP. We’re prepared to fight against this ill-conceived idea.”

• Kate Gallego, Mayor of Phoenix, AZ, posted on X: “The @WhiteHouse attempt to block federal grants blatantly violates the law—and puts Phoenix’s Police and Fire departments, our ability to combat homelessness, water conservation efforts, and much more at risk. I strongly urge the President to reverse course immediately.”

• Sandra Jauregui, Nevada State Assemblymember, posted on X: “No WIC, no SNAP, no Universal School Lunch. Programs that Nevada families depend on to feed their children.”

• Will Jawando, County Councilmember in Montgomery County, MD, posted on X: “Grateful for federal courts blocking the reckless grant/loan freeze that threatens vital programs. Working with @MontCoExec, @GovWesMoore & partners at all levels to protect Montgomery County residents & maintain stability.”

• Cavalier Johnson, Mayor of Milwaukee, WI, told press: “”What’s clear is that there’s tens of millions of dollars — literally tens of millions of dollars — that are at stake here in Milwaukee.”

• Tishaura Jones, Mayor of St. Louis, MO, posted on X: “Late last night, a memo went out from the Trump Administration ordering federal agencies to pause the disbursement of federal grants, loans, and other financial assistance to state, local, and tribal governments.”

• Jazz Lewis, Maryland State Delegate, posted on X: “Trump’s actions put at risk so many programs and organizations that everyday Americans depend on. Make no mistake, this pause will damage efforts to improve people’s lives and tackle some of the most defining issues we face.”

• Brooks Lierman, Maryland State Comptroller, said in a statement: “The decision by the Trump administration to attempt to freeze the disbursement of federal grants and loans is deeply concerning because of its potential impact on Maryland residents, communities, businesses, and non-profits, and because of the chaotic nature of the announcement.”

• Bob Morgan, Illinois State Representative, posted on X: “Nearly 1/3 of Illinois residents – 3.3 million adults and children – get their healthcare through Medicaid.  This move is as catastrophic as it is heartless.”

• Tram Nguyen, Massachusetts State Representative, posted on X: “The Trump administration has made an outrageous decision: halting all federal grants & loans, including vital student loans and programs like WIC, which provides essential nutrition support to low-income families.”

• Ron Nirenberg, Mayor of San Antonio, TX, posted on X: “If chaos and confusion were the goal – mission accomplished.”
  
• Rebecca Perkins Kwoka, Democratic Leader of the New Hampshire Senate, posted on X: “Today, I was proud to stand with @AlexisSimpsonNH and call on @KellyAyotte to speak out against POTUS halting federal funding. This move put Granite Staters’ lives & livelihoods on the line and they deserve leaders who will stand up for them. #nhpolitics”

• Dylan Roberts, Colorado State Senator, told press: “A lot of the grants that counties and towns receive to build housing or to provide rental assistance or to stabilize existing housing comes from the federal government, and it’s my understanding that this order has shut those dollars off. So you think we have an affordable housing crisis now? It could get a lot worse.”

• Aaron Rouse, Virginia State Senator, posted on X: “Federal workers shouldn’t struggle to make ends meet because of a government shutdown. That’s why I’ve introduced legislation to create a 30-day delay of evictions and foreclosures for federal workers and contractors who don’t receive a paycheck during a shutdown. We need to protect those who keep our nation running.”

• Sean Scanlon, Connecticut State Comptroller, posted on X: “As Comptroller it’s my job to track what we get from DC and how it’s spent. We spent 14.3 billion in federal funds in FY24. That money helps our kids, seniors, veterans, police and so many more. Make no mistake: any pause will hurt people and have disastrous consequences for CT.”

• Zeb Smathers, Mayor of Canton, NC, posted on X: “Most days, I hate politics—and I’m in it. What I hate most is when children and good people, regardless of race, creed, or party, who are just trying to raise their families, get caught in the crosshairs of political games. This freeze is one of those moments. We can do better.”

• Juliana Stratton, Lieutenant Governor of Illinois, posted on X: “The decision to halt federal funding, poorly disguised as an act of protecting your dollars, is cruel. Millions are scrambling because the White House decided to leave states, their supposed partners, in the dark. The chaos, fear and confusion that’s ensued—that’s intentional.”

• Randall Woodfin, Mayor of Birmingham, AL, posted on Bluesky: “POTUS’s funding pause risks stalling progress in cities like Birmingham, impacting public safety, neighborhood revitalization, workforce development, & healthcare. We urge the Administration to provide clear guidance and a timeline for restoring access to the funds our residents’ taxes pay for.”

• Jeff Yarbro, Tennessee State Senator, posted on X: “The President, by incompetence, malice, or a combination of the two, undermined services millions of people rely on every day-Medicaid, meals on wheels, funding for cops, farmers, & lots more. The presidency isn’t a reality show. There are real-life consequences to the job.”

For Immediate Release 

Contact: Jared DeWese, [email protected]

WASHINGTON – Over one-third of NewDEAL leaders in state legislatures will hold leadership positions in 2025, with 34 members across 19 states elected by their peers to guide their caucuses in key legislative roles. These Leaders represent the future of the party, and will help navigate the challenges and opportunities of the upcoming year to advance innovative, results-driven policies that make a real difference in their communities. Several NewDEALers were recently elected to leadership positions.

Including: 

Alabama: Anthony Daniels, House Minority Leader

Alabama: Jeremy Gray, House Party Whip

Connecticut: Bob Duff, Senate Majority Leader

Connecticut: Kate Farrar, House Deputy Majority Leader

Florida: Fentrice Driskell, House Democratic Caucus Leader

Georgia: Jason Esteves, Senate Minority Caucus Vice Chair of Finance

Georgia: Elena Parent, Senate Minority Caucus Chair

Georgia: Tanya Miller, House Minority Caucus Chair

Idaho: Ilana Rubel, House Minority Leader

Maine: Ryan Fecteau, Speaker of the House

Maryland: Bill Ferguson, President of the Senate

Maryland: Jazz Lewis, House Majority Whip

Michigan: Winnie Brinks, Senate Majority Leader

Michigan: Sam Singh, Majority Floor Leader

Michigan: Darrin Camilleri, Senate Assistant Majority Leader

Michigan: Mallory McMorrow, Senate Majority Whip

Michigan: Ranjeev Puri, House Minority Leader

New Jersey: Troy Singleton, Senate Majority Whip

New Jersey: Vin Gopal, Democratic Conference Chair

New Jersey: Lou Greenwald, Assembly Majority Leader

Nevada: Daniele Monroe-Moreno, Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore

Nevada: Sandra Jauregui, Assembly Majority Floor Leader

North Carolina: Sydney Batch, Senate Minority Leader

North Carolina: Jay Chaudhuri, Senate Minority Whip

North Dakota: Jayme Davis, House Minority Caucus Leader

Ohio: Dontavius Jarrells, House Assistant Minority Leader,

Oklahoma: Michael Brooks, Senate Caucus Chair

Oregon: Ben Bowman, House Majority Leader

Pennsylvania: Joanna McClinton, Speaker of the House

Pennsylvania: Jordan Harris, House Appropriations Committee Chairperson

South Dakota: Erin Healy, House  Minority Leader

Utah: Stephanie Pitcher, Minority Caucus Manager

Virginia: Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, House of Delegates, Deputy Majority Whip

Virginia: Kathy Tran, House of Delegates Majority Caucus Chair

About NewDEAL  

The NewDEAL (Developing Exceptional American Leaders) is a national center-left network of 215 Democratic state and local elected officials who are expanding opportunity and improving government work. More than one in four NewDEAL Leaders have gone on to higher office, and alums include Josh Shapiro, Pete Buttigieg, Stacey Abrams, and many members of Congress.

Contact: Jared DeWese, 202-660-1340 x 702, [email protected]

NewDEAL Statement on Presidential Election: The Voters Have Spoken, and the Work Continues, Says NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan

While it’s not the outcome we wanted and worked for, voters across the nation have spoken and elected Donald Trump as President of the United States.

Today, in her gracious and powerful concession speech, Vice President Harris emphasized the importance of a peaceful transfer of power, which is the bedrock of our democracy. She also reminded us that respecting the will of voters does not mean abandoning our values and principles. NewDEAL will continue to fight for freedom, democracy, and expanding opportunity for everyday Americans across the country.

I thank Vice President Harris, Governor Walz, and their team for their inspiring campaign, grounded in a belief that there is more that unites us than divides us and focused on commonsense solutions. They brought people together from across the political spectrum and welcomed new voters into the political process. 

I also want to thank the elections administrators, elected officials, and everyday Americans from both parties, who worked tirelessly to ensure a fair and free election and that every eligible vote is counted. 

There will be time for analysis in the coming days and weeks about how best to move forward, and I hope that Mr. Trump, upon taking office, will abandon the divisive rhetoric from the campaign trail and work across the aisle to find issues of common ground. 

Finally, let me congratulate the NewDEALers who won their elections last night, including two Governors-elect, new U.S. Senate and House Members, and dozens of state and city officials                        across the country. I look forward to working with them and our whole network of exceptional state and local leaders to defend progress, uplift ideas that work, and offer an agenda that appeals to a broad coalition of Americans. 

There is much work to do, and I have faith that America’s best days are ahead of us.

Contact: Jared DeWese, 202-660-1340 x 702, [email protected]

Statement from NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan and NewDEAL Leader Texas State Representatives Rafael Anchia and John Bucy On The US Supreme Court’s Decision to Uphold the Ban on
Emergency Abortions in Texas 

“Yesterday’s decision by the US Supreme Court allowing Texas to continue its ban on emergency abortions is a travesty, endangering the lives of women in the state of Texas.  

“It’s also a reminder that elections have consequences. Freedom is on the ballot this year at the top of the ticket and in state and local races in Texas and across the country. 

“In the months and years since Roe v. Wade was overturned, we have heard countless stories from women around the country, and in particular from Texas, about the danger bans like this one have caused. 

“During last month’s debate, Vice President Harris highlighted how one patient, who was denied emergency care, nearly bled to death in a parking lot as she waited for her situation to deteriorate further. This is unacceptable. Access to vital health care services should not depend upon which state a woman lives in.  

“We are proud that NewDEALers have led the fight for reproductive freedom.  Today, we call on the Texas legislature to overturn this draconian law and for Congress to pass federal legislation protecting a woman’s right to choose.”

Contact: Jared DeWese, 202-660-1340 x 702, [email protected]

NewDEAL Statement on Vice Presidential Debate
Tim Walz focused on moderate, mainstream solutions and protecting freedom and democracy says NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan

“Governor Tim Walz this evening championed a mainstream, moderate and achievable agenda that will be the hallmark of a Kamala Harris presidency. 

“Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are advocating for solutions to the kitchen-table challenges that we hear about every day from our network of rising state and local Democratic leaders – affordable housing and child care, the ability to start a small business, and access to healthcare.

“Additionally, Governor Walz reminded Americans that Vice President Harris is firmly on the side of freedom, fighting to protect the right of women to make their own health care decisions, and working to keep Americans free from gun violence and book bans.   

“Throughout the evening, it was nice to see a civil, substantive debate. Unfortunately, JD Vance’s performance was incongruous with the campaign that he and Donald Trump are running. Every day, they are painting a distorted, dire picture of America, dehumanizing immigrants, and seeking to divide us rather than bringing us together.

“Senator Vance repeatedly tried to rewrite history, arguing Donald Trump helped Obamacare when in fact he tried to overturn it, and most strikingly, claiming that Donald Trump simply shook hands and moved on from the 2020 election when in fact he still doesn’t accept the results and encouraged his allies and supporters to stop the peaceful transfer of power for the first time in American history. Our nation simply cannot afford to have Donald Trump and JD Vance in the White House.  

“Governor Walz and Vice President Harris are all about fighting to make America a better, stronger place. That’s the kind of leadership we need.” 

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Contact: Jared DeWese, 202-660-1340 x 702, [email protected]

NewDEAL Statement on Presidential Debate:
Kamala Harris’ Vision for America is Pragmatic and Forward-Looking, Let’s Turn the Page, Says NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan

The debate showed a stark contrast — Kamala Harris, who has a bold, pragmatic vision for leading our nation into the future, and Donald Trump, who is divisive and disparaging, fueled by grievances, and will only take our nation back into chaos. 

She outlined a forward-looking, moderate agenda that speaks to the broad majority of Americans who will benefit from her commitment to make housing, child care, and the overall cost of living more affordable and make it easier to start a small business or get a good-paying job. The priorities she articulated tonight go to the heart of solving the biggest challenges we hear about from our network of state and local officials.

Additionally, she showed that she will stand up for protecting and advancing freedoms for all Americans, including protecting abortion rights and the freedom that comes from access to economic opportunity.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump angrily embraced a dark, distorted vision of America while calling the Supreme Court courageous for overturning Roe v. Wade and doubling down on his economic plan that will raise costs for all Americans.

We cannot go back to the chaos of a Trump presidency.

Vice President Harris made it clear that she is about “lifting people up and not beating people down.” She represents the new generation of leadership that will move our nation forward.

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September 5, 2024                                                                

Contact: Jared DeWese, 202-660-1340 x702

The NewDEAL Selects Fall 2024 Class of 

the Nation’s Top Democratic State and Local Leaders 

A diverse group of pro-growth officials joins a network of innovative, rising Democrats who are making policy impact in the states.

Washington, D.C. – The NewDEAL (Developing Exceptional American Leaders) has announced a new class of 15 forward-thinking elected officials to join its selective national network of Democratic state and local leaders who receive support and promotion in their efforts to develop sound policy and govern effectively. 

At a moment when state and local influence on issues ranging from climate change to reproductive rights to the strength of our democracy continues to grow, these officials join NewDEAL Leaders who are playing critical roles in implementing the significant legislation approved during President Biden’s term while helping each other think big and share model policies and programs. 

See a complete list of the new class below.

Today’s announcement brings the total number of NewDEAL members to 214 across 49 states. They are statewide officials, legislators, and city and county leaders who get results and are working to expand access to economic opportunity for their communities with a forward-looking approach to governing. Leaders in the network have had success across blue, red, and purple places and have been chosen from more than 2,000 nominations throughout the organization’s history. NewDEAL alumni have included Pete Buttigieg, Josh Shapiro, Stacey Abrams, and many members of Congress. More than 20 NewDEALers have risen to higher office since 2020, adding to the more than one in four members who have done so over the organization’s history. NewDEAL’s honorary co-chairs are U.S. Senator Chris Coons (DE) and U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland (WA-10).

About 70 leaders will gather at the organization’s next event, the 14th Annual Leaders Conference, November 20-22 in Washington, DC, to share solutions for building an America that works better for everyone and learn from partners in the federal government and the private sector.

“This new class of NewDEAL Leaders understands that we cannot take American democracy or our hard-fought-for freedoms for granted,“ said NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan. “They also understand that supporting the future of our democracy and our country is not only about the electoral process but also the work by leaders in the trenches every day to make government work better. Each state and local elected official selected for this class has shown passion, determination, and effectiveness in getting results for their communities. They are on the front lines of not only strengthening and protecting democracy and freedom but also ensuring that government meets modern challenges with common sense and efficacy.” 

Members of the diverse new class of leaders hail from 13 states and have been selected for their unwavering commitment to pragmatic governance. Their work aims to move their communities forward in the changing economy and offer practical solutions on the scale required to address the country’s biggest challenges. 

Their leadership includes protecting democracy through election security and expanded voter access in Arizona, building a stronger, more equitable, and inclusive education system in Georgia, ensuring every citizen has access to government services in Pennsylvania, and making certain that every woman has abortion access and the freedom to choose in Colorado. 

These leaders’ work will also help build on policy recommendations that NewDEAL Leaders have developed, including aiding in the implementation of recommendations made by its sister organization, the NewDEAL Forum, through the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Task Force,  Democracy Working Group, Education Policy Group, Broadband Policy Group, and Climate Solutions Working Group.

The new class of NewDEAL Leaders includes:

Kesha Hodge Washington, Councilmember, Phoenix, Arizona
Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson, Councilmember, Santa Cruz, California
Lindsey Daugherty, Representative, Colorado
Jena Griswold, Secretary of State, Colorado
James Maroney, Senator, Connecticut
Jason Esteves, Senator, Georgia
Juliana Stratton, Lieutenant Governor, Illinois
Emma Kerr-Carpenter, Representative, Montana
Jayme Davis, Representative, North Dakota
Dontavius Jarrells, Representative, Ohio
Rachael Heisler, City Controller, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Derek Slaughter, Mayor, Williamsport, Pennsylvania
Xay Khamsyvoravong, Mayor, Newport, Rhode Island
John Bucy, Representative, Texas
Mike Doenges, Mayor, Rutland, Vermont

About The NewDEAL

The NewDEAL, a center-left network, brings together Democratic state and local elected officials focused on expanding opportunity, helping them develop and spread innovative ideas to spur equitable and sustainable economic growth. The organization facilitates the exchange of solutions among its members and connects them with other pro-growth, pragmatic, forward-thinking political, policy, and private-sector experts and policymakers.

Learn more about the NewDEAL and its members by visiting http://www.newdealleaders.org/leaders.   

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“Two years after President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), it’s clear that the law is working and state and local leaders are seeing the benefits in their communities. In addition to containing a variety of provisions to lower costs for American families, especially on healthcare and energy, the legislation is powering the Biden-Harris Administration’s successful efforts to invest in a clean energy economy that means more good-paying jobs, less unhealthy pollution in our air, and fewer extreme weather events caused by climate change.

“The law exemplifies the cooperation needed between the federal, state, and local governments to meet specific needs of communities and regions, and it’s impact is being felt all over the country, in blue and red states and in urban and rural areas.”