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NewDEAL and The Next 50 Announce Strategic Partnership to Build the Next Generation of Democratic Leaders Across the Country

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NewDEAL and The Next 50 Announce Strategic Partnership to Build the Next Generation of Democratic Leaders Across the Country

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, jonathon@newdealleaders.org

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.