NewDEAL Leaders Sweep Reelections as Many Ascend to Higher Office
Winners include at least seven taking higher office, including three in Congress and Governor-elect Gavin Newsom; major races in Georgia and Utah remain too close to call
Washington, D.C. - From coast to coast and in every region of the country, NewDEAL Leaders triumphed in federal, state, and local contests Tuesday, including at least three Congressional Districts, as well as statewide offices in California and Wisconsin. In all, at least eight members of NewDEAL (Developing Exceptional American Leaders) will rise to higher office, while all 50 have won their reelection races. The winners, who represent 25 states, include Governor-elect Gavin Newsom, Jennifer Wexton, who flipped a Virginia Congressional seat, and Lieutenant Governor-elect Mandela Barnes on the ticket with Wisconsin Governor-elect Tony Evers.
In addition, NewDEAL Leaders in major races that remain too close to call include: Stacey Abrams (Georgia Governor), Ben McAdams (Utah Fourth Congressional District), and Aaron Ford (Nevada Attorney General).
The results, which follow a 98 percent win rate in the challenging 2016 election cycle, further emphasize the ability of NewDEAL’s pro-growth progressive network of state and local Democrats to excel in diverse communities nationwide and to help shape the future of their Party. Led by Honorary Co-Chairs U.S. Senator Mark Warner and former Delaware Governor Jack Markell, the network is made up of 160 of the most innovative elected leaders, chosen from among more than 1000 nominations.
While running on some different platforms and issues, the NewDEAL candidates were united by pro-growth, forward-looking ideas for expanding economic opportunity and by a pragmatic, results-driven approach to governing.
NewDEAL Leaders Elevated to Higher Office
Gavin Newsom - Governor of California - (current Lt. Gov. and NewDEAL Vice Chair)
Greg Stanton - U.S. House, Arizona-09 - (former Mayor of Phoenix)
Joe Morelle - U.S. House, New York-25 - (current Assembly Majority Leader)
Jennifer Wexton - U.S. House, Virginia-10 - (current State Senator)
Mandela Barnes - Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor - (former Assemblymember)
Brittany Pettersen - Colorado State Senate - (current State Rep.)
Angela Alsobrooks - County Executive, Prince George’s, MD - (current State Attorney)
“Congratulations to all of the NewDEAL Leaders who earned their victories across the country by having the pro-growth economic vision, unifying messages, and leadership ability required to lead our communities, states, and country at this challenging time in our politics,” said NewDEAL Executive Director Debbie Cox Bultan. “These leaders represent the future-oriented wing of the Democratic Party — the wing advocating for solutions that match the challenges we face today in embracing and adapting to the realities of the post-globalization economy.
“They remain focused on the common values that can bring people together and we are proud to see so many of them advance to higher office where they will continue to fight for expanding opportunity and rebuilding trust in government. In addition, we’re proud of the at least three new NewDEAL members of Congress who join the growing New Democrat Coalition and others in offering the pragmatic approach to governance that our country sorely needs.
About NewDEAL
The NewDEAL brings together leaders focused on expanding opportunity, helping them develop and spread innovative ideas to spur economic growth that is broadly-earned and sustainable, while making government work better. Most importantly, the organization facilitates the exchange of ideas among its members and connects them with other pro-growth progressive political, policy, and private sector leaders.
One of the organization’s signature events, the Annual NewDEAL Leaders Conference, will take place November 28-30 in Washington, DC. About 70 NewDEAL Leaders will join other innovators from the public and private sectors to address lessons learned from the midterm elections and to discuss a forward-looking agenda for state and local Democrats to address the future of work and climate change, and rebuild trust in government.
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