WASHINGTON—Today, the Blue Dog Coalition announced its leadership for the 116th Congress and inducted several new members. In the 116th Congress, the Coalition will fight to restore the American Dream and put our country on the path to prosperity. The Coalition will continue to focus on its long-held mission to pursue commonsense, bipartisan solutions that will get our country’s fiscal house in order and ensure a strong national defense.

The Blue Dog Coalition’s leadership for the 116th Congress will include:

Representative Stephanie Murphy (FL-07), Co-Chair for Administration

Representative Tom O’Halleran (AZ-01), Co-Chair for Policy

Representative Lou Correa (CA-46), Co-Chair for Communications

The Blue Dog Coalition’s new members for the 116th Congress will include:

Representative-elect Anthony Brindisi (NY-22)

Representative-elect Ben McAdams (UT-04)

Representative-elect Max Rose (NY-11)

Representative-elect Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11)

Representative-elect Abigail Spanberger (VA-07)

Representative-elect Xochitl Torres Small (NM-02)

Representative-elect Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02)

STATEMENTS FROM THE BLUE DOG LEADERSHIP OF THE 116TH CONGRESS:

“I’m proud to help lead this hardworking group of principled, pragmatic Democrats who will develop solutions that move this country forward,” said Rep. Stephanie Murphy, incoming Co-Chair for Administration. “In this new era of divided government, we Democrats must introduce bold ideas and fight for our shared values, and we must also seek bipartisan cooperation that keeps our government functioning and improves the lives of our constituents; the alternative is a partisan stalemate that brings our country to a halt. The Blue Dog Coalition remains focused on bipartisan cooperation, fiscal responsibility, and national security, and we look forward to being active and constructive partners in the 116th Congress.”

“For too long, the Washington elite has ignored the needs of hardworking men and women in communities across America,” said Rep. Tom O’Halleran, incoming Co-Chair for Policy. “I am ready to help lead the Blue Dog Coalition as we give these Americans a seat at the table. The Blue Dog Coalition is ready to hit the ground running with a positive agenda to address the lack of good-paying jobs and stagnant paychecks, rising health care costs, and our crumbling infrastructure. Most importantly, we are ready to be the voice of commonsense and thoughtful leadership the American people want. We firmly believe that a strong economy, in every community, will lead to a strong future for our children and grandchildren. No one is more focused on these issues than the Blue Dogs in Congress, and we are going to get to work on Day One to improve the lives of every American.”

“As the son of working-class Americans, I understand that the path to the middle class depends on a strong education, a good job, and a robust infrastructure,” said Rep. Lou Correa, incoming Co-Chair for Communications. “That is why I have made it my mission to keep the American Dream alive for all Americans. As a leader in the Blue Dog Coalition, I will put working-class families first, and ensure hardworking families get what they deserve.”

BACKGROUND ON THE BLUE DOG LEADERSHIP OF THE 116TH CONGRESS:

Rep. Stephanie Murphy (FL-07), Co-Chair for Administration: Rep. Murphy is the first woman of color to lead the Blue Dog Coalition. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Small Business Committee. She was elected to Congress in 2016. Prior to her service in Congress, Murphy was a businesswoman and college instructor after serving as a national security specialist in the Office of the U.S. Secretary of Defense where she received numerous awards for her distinguished service, including the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Civilian Service. She worked on a wide range of security issues from counterterrorism to foreign military relations to strategic planning for the department.

Rep. Tom O’Halleran (AZ-01), Co-Chair for Policy: Rep. O’Halleran currently serves on the House Armed Services Committee and House Agriculture Committee. He was elected to Congress in 2016. Prior to his service in Congress, O’Halleran served three consecutive terms in the Arizona House of Representatives followed by a term in the Arizona State Senate. At the beginning of his career, O’Halleran joined the Chicago Police Department, where he was an officer and then a sergeant in a special operations unit. O’Halleran was later commissioned to be one of the youngest homicide investigators in the city’s history.

Rep. Lou Correa (CA-46), Co-Chair for Communications: Rep. Correa currently serves on the House Committee on Homeland Security and the House Committee on Veterans Affairs. He was elected to Congress in 2016. Correa has spent his entire career fighting for the middle class in his local community. Prior to his service in Congress, Correa served in the California State Assembly, then the Orange County Board of Supervisors, followed by the California State Senate. In his early career, Correa worked as an investment banker and real estate broker.

THE BLUE DOG COALITION OF THE 116TH CONGRESS BY THE NUMBERS:

24 members of the Blue Dog Coalition.

54 percent have previous experience in a state legislature.

42 percent represent districts that went to President Trump in 2016.

29 percent are people of color.

21 percent have previous national security experience.

21 percent have been a small business owner.

21 percent are military veterans.

17 percent are women.

13 percent have experience in law enforcement.

13 percent are farmers.

BLUE DOG FRESHMAN CLASS BY THE NUMBERS:

7 incoming Blue Dog freshman members.

7 represent districts that went to President Trump in 2016.

4 will hold an elected position for the first time at the start of the 116th Congress.

3 are women.

3 have national security experience.

2 have been mayor of a city or township.

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