Washington, DC – Today, House Democrats passed two motions, introduced by Reps. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07), Seth Moulton (MA-06), and Kathleen Rice (NY-04), requiring key leadership positions to be elected by Members of the Caucus, instead of appointed by the Democratic Leader. The Caucus will now directly elect the chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, as well as three co-chairs of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee.

Reps. Gallego, Moulton, and Rice issued the following joint statement:

“In the wake of the 2016 election, it is more clear than ever that the Democratic Caucus needs to bring more voices into leadership, with new ideas that will help us to forge a strong path forward, evolve as a Party and earn back the support of the American people.

“The conversations we have had over the past few weeks about the future of our Caucus were difficult and contentious, but also necessary and inspiring. As a result, our Members worked together to select a leadership team and make dramatic reforms that will increase the diversity of our leadership team and make our leadership accountable to our Members.

“In order to be successful, all Members of the Democratic Caucus need to play a role in recruitment, messaging, fundraising and strategy. The changes adopted today are a true victory that will help us to empower our Members and make our Caucus stronger.

“Democrats can’t afford to back down in the face of a Donald Trump presidency and the regressive agenda he stands for. Today’s outcome was a good first step towards our goal of reclaiming the majority in 2018.”

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