House progressives are adding to their ranks heading into the 118th Congress, with one newcomer calling the freshman Democratic class “an incredible step forward” in terms of age and diversity.
Rep.-elect Summer Lee (D-PA) said her entrance to Congress at a time when the body is more diverse than it’s ever been equates to a warm welcome. Several other progressives will be sworn in with her on Jan. 3.
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“It’s one of the youngest classes, it’s one of the most progressive classes, it’s one of the most diverse classes,” Lee told the Washington Examiner last week. “That is an incredible step forward. That in and of itself makes me feel more welcome in a place like this.
“I think that if I had come in at a different time, as a progressive black woman, I might not have felt as welcomed or felt like this was a space where I will find any sort of belonging or comfort. To have other people who have similar experiences and perspectives to go through that with makes the experience all that much better,” she continued.
She added that she’s looking to join the Black Caucus and the Progressive Caucus once she’s sworn in next month. Other progressives elected in November include Reps.-elect Maxwell Frost (D-FL), Greg Casar (D-TX), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Delia Ramirez (D-IL), and Becca Balint (D-VT). Most were endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) or explicitly progressive groups during their campaigns.
The Progressives-Elect have officially arrived in Washington.
Today, these history-makers and organizers are gathering as incoming CPC members with CPC veterans, partners, and staff for New Member Orientation to build community and prepare to join the 118th Congress. pic.twitter.com/HclnDfbDfI
— Progressive Caucus (@USProgressives) November 13, 2022
Frost made history as the first Generation Z member of Congress and, at 25 years old, will be the youngest member of the House once he’s sworn in. He will also be the first Afro-Cuban U.S. representative.
“I didn’t run to be the first Gen Z member, but it’s a big part of the story. There needs to be younger people involved in government. We saw how the youth came out on Tuesday, so I’m excited to represent my district but also get to work,” Frost said.
Other firsts include Ramirez becoming the first Latina elected to represent Illinois and Balint becoming the first woman and first openly LGBT person to represent Vermont.
Many of the progressive-backed new representatives have policy priorities that include expanded protections for LGBT rights, “Medicare for All,” passing elements of the Green New Deal, and protecting abortion access.
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Progressives welcomed the newly elected Democratic lawmakers at an orientation last month, where leaders boasted about expanding their ranks despite losing the House majority. Progressive “Squad” member Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) said progressives “are growing in numbers and influence.”
Excited to welcome these fantastic members to the Congressional Progressive Caucus to Congress. We are growing in numbers and influence! pic.twitter.com/2Dl4TaIEW4
— Rep. Ilhan Omar (@Ilhan) November 13, 2022
Progressives are stronger than ever and we’re ready to fight and deliver for people across our country ??https://t.co/CHDW9XkikS
— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) November 14, 2022
The new Democratic leadership will have two Progressive Caucus members in top positions: current Democratic Caucus Chair Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) will be minority leader come January, while current Assistant Speaker Katherine Clark (D-MA) will become minority whip.
Jeffries will also be the first black leader of a party in Congress. The three Democratic leaders will be, on average, 30 years younger than the outgoing class, which includes Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD), and Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-SC).
“Our Caucus leaders, all of whom will be women or people of color, including the first ever Black member to lead a party in Congress, will now look more like America — an essential step toward ensuring a body that is truly representative of communities across the country,” Congressional Progressive Caucus Chairwoman Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) said in a statement.
The final California race of the 2022 midterm elections was called Friday, leaving Republicans with a 222-seat majority over the Democrats’ 213 seats.
