Rep. Nikki Budzinski wants to lead the centrist New Democrat Coalition next year, coinciding with an expected incoming wave of new House progressives hoping to expand the chamber’s left flank.
“I am confident I can lead us into what will be a consequential next chapter,” Budzinski said in a “Dear Colleague” letter seeking the group’s chairmanship, shared first with NOTUS.
Budzinski, a moderate who currently serves as the coalition’s vice chair of policy, is the first Democrat to throw her hat in the ring for the position.
With the likely arrival of a slate of new left-wing House Democrats, the party’s largest ideological caucus could face an uphill battle getting centrist priorities past the finish line even if Democrats win back the majority in November. Whoever chairs the group next year would need to balance potential conflicts between the party’s centrist and progressive wings.
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In June, the group’s current chair, Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Illinois), waved away concerns about the way party priorities might shift next year.
“We’re not going to change who we are and what we’re fighting for,” Schneider, who is term-limited, told reporters. “You only do things by building a coalition, getting 218 votes. … Much of the legislative ideas we have put forth in the past and are proposing in the future are ideas that build coalitions that cross party lines.”
In her letter, Budzinski pointed to the party’s recent “commitment to pragmatic progress” and touted her work “toward building the largest majority possible.” The Illinois representative referenced her raising $2.5 million for House Democrats’ campaign arm this cycle and nearly $700,000 in direct contributions to “Red to Blue” candidates endorsed by the New Democrat Coalition’s political operation.
“Nikki has been a true leader who knows how to build a strong coalition that knows how to accomplish an agenda that moves this country forward,” Rep. Susie Lee (D-Nevada), a coalition member, told NOTUS. “She understands that in order for Democrats to hold a majority in Congress we must deliver results. I believe she will help do that.”
The elections for the New Democrat Coalition’s leadership for next the Congress will take place in November during new member orientation. It’s unclear if other lawmakers are considering running, but only current and former vice chairs can do so. Rep. Ami Bera (D-California), a former vice chair, previously considered a bid but his office confirmed he will not be running for next cycle.
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