WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night, U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) was elected by her colleagues as First Vice Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC). She assumes this position vacated by Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI), who is now CPC Co-Chair. Former Co-Chair Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) was also elected as CPC Vice Chair and Liaison to Labor.
“I would like to take the opportunity to welcome Congresswomen Jayapal as First Vice Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus,” said CPC Co-Chair Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ). “During her short time in Congress, Congresswomen Jayapal has already made a big impact in pushing for a more inclusive, diverse and progressive agenda. I look forward to working with her on expanding the reach of progressive policies that benefit the hard-working people we represent.”
“I am also thankful that my good friend and colleague Keith will continue to represent the Congressional Progressive Caucus as our Vice Chair and Liaison to Labor lending his voice and leadership to our national agenda,” Rep. Grijalva continued.
“I am glad the CPC elected Rep. Pramila Jayapal as First Vice Chair and Rep. Keith Ellison as Vice Chair and Liaison to Labor. Rep. Jayapal has come out of the gates swinging as a strong progressive voice in Congress,” Rep. Pocan said. “She brings tremendous energy and determination to lead on the issues we care about including debt free college and raising the minimum wage. She is a fantastic addition to our CPC leadership team. I am thrilled to continue working Rep. Ellison, who has been a friend and colleague throughout my time in Congress. In his new role, he will continue to provide leadership for progressives across the country as Vice Chair and Liaison to Labor. Keith’s leadership will continue to be an important part of the Progressive Caucus’ growth.”
“I am so grateful to my colleagues for unanimously electing me as the First Vice Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. This is an honor and an opportunity to keep fighting for the progressive values that America deserves,” said Rep. Jayapal. “I will continue to push for affordable health care, comprehensive immigration reform, healthy environment, civil liberties and human rights. Together with the distinguished CPC Co-Chairs Rep. Raul Grijalva and Rep. Mark Pocan and all our members, we intend to stand up for working families and a progressive, integrated vision of economic, racial and gender justice for all."
“The Congressional Progressive Caucus was built around a simple belief: Congress should work for all Americans, not just the wealthiest,” Rep. Ellison said. “This conviction inspired my work as Co-Chair of the CPC. That’s why in addition to my role as Deputy Chair of the DNC, I am proud to remain a part of the team as Vice Chair and Labor Liaison.”
“Fighting alongside working people and lending our votes to their voices will always be our mission,” Rep. Ellison continued. I have supreme confidence that CPC’s new leadership, Co-Chairs Mark Pocan and Raul Grijalva, will carry this legacy forward. Rep. Jayapal, our new First Vice Chair, has a proven record of fighting for economic justice. She helped lead the fight to raise the minimum wage in Seattle – a fight she helped win. I’m glad she’s on our team.
“The Progressive Caucus, over 70 members strong and growing, is blessed with such an abundance of talent and creativity,” said Rep. Ellison. “I am inspired by the emergence of Mark Pocan, Pramila Jayapal, and many others, and am excited to continue working by their side in this new capacity.”
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The Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) is the largest caucus within the House Democratic Caucus, with over 70 members standing up for progressive ideals in Washington and throughout the country. Since 1991, the CPC has advocated for progressive policies that prioritize working Americans over corporate interests, fight economic and social inequality, and promote civil liberties. The CPC champions progressive policy solutions like comprehensive immigration reform, a $15 national minimum wage, fair trade, gun violence reform, debt-free college, and making the federal government a Model Employer.
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