Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland, D-Tacoma, was elected Tuesday, Nov. 10, by her New Democrat Coalition colleagues to serve as the coalition’s vice chair for communications in the 120th Congress.
“I am honored and extremely thankful to my fellow New Democrats for their belief in my leadership,” said Strickland. “I am committed to working with my colleagues to build an economy that lowers costs and works for all Americans in the 120th Congress.”
The New Democrat Coalition, or New Dems, is a center-left coalition of House Democrats who prioritize bipartisan efforts to advance policies that benefit all Americans.
In the 120th Congress, the New Dems will have a historic number of 142 members, making them the largest ideological caucus in the House.
As vice chair for communications, Strickland’s campaign said she will prioritize communicating the New Dems message to the American people and ensure that the caucus works toward their vision of economic growth and opportunity, healthy and safe communities for all Americans, and strong national security and defense.
Strickland will serve alongside incoming Chair Rep. Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Vice Chair for Policy Rep. Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Vice Chair for Member Services Rep. Greg Landsman (OH-01), and Vice Chair for Outreach Rep. Kim Schrier (WA-08) as part of the New Dems leadership in the 120th Congress.
In the 119th Congress, Strickland served as New Dems vice chair and whip.
Strickland serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is whip for the Congressional Black Caucus, a member of the New Democrat Coalition, and one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress.
She represents Washington state’s 10th Congressional District, which covers most of Thurston County and part of Pierce County, including the cities of Olympia and Tacoma.
Strickland is fresh off of a bid for reelection, handily defeating Republican challenger Chris D. Chung to secure her fourth term in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Tallies as of Tuesday, Nov. 10 showed Strickland with 63.73%, representing 168,784 votes, to Chung’s 35.64%, representing 94,379 votes.
