Rep. Nikki Budzinski elected chair of moderate New Dem Coalition, vows Dems will lower costs for Americans

U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, a Peoria Democrat and former aide to both Gov. JB Pritzker and President Joe Biden, was elected on Tuesday to serve as chair of the center-left group known as the New Democrat Coalition.

Elected to the 13th Congressional District seat in 2022, Budzinski served as executive director of Pritzker's transition team after his 2018 election and later served as a senior adviser once he took office. She also served as chief of staff in President Biden's Office of Management and Budget for about six months before running for office. She previously worked as Hillary Clinton's labor outreach director in 2016 for her presidential campaign.

In a speech before the chair election, Budzinski warned that despite decisive wins, the stakes are high for Democrats to earn voters' trust and deliver results within the next two years.

"They want us to provide relief to the crushing cost of living and root out corruption. Based on these two priorities, the American people voted for massive change on November 3rd. The New Dems will deliver on this mandate in the 120th Congress by getting common-sense legislation to the President’s desk," Budzinski said in her speech. "We have to be clear-eyed about the election results. Voters are not in love with us, but rather giving Democrats an opportunity to show them that we can deliver. If we fail at this mission, voters could return us to the realities of either small majorities or worse, the minority again. The stakes are high."

Budzinski spoke in support of Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries becoming the country's first Black House speaker. And she outlined some of her top priorities for the caucus, including holding the Trump administration accountable for "reckless tariff policies," ending the war in Iran, passing paid family medical leave and raising the minimum wage. She also spoke in support of improving housing policy and making the country's health care system "affordable and accessible for all."

The New Democrat Coalition has 40 new members, swelling to 142 members and members-elect in the 120th Congress, and the group says its goal is to lower costs and fight corruption. The Congressional Progressive Caucus on Sunday said it now has 105 members, including six progressive candidates who won red districts.

Democrats were emboldened by nationwide wins that reshaped American politics and offered a sharp rejection of some of President Donald Trump's top policies. The blue wave may actually spark some cooperation within the U.S. House, with the Congressional Progressive Caucus and the New Democrat Coalition both wanting to help Americans who are struggling to make ends meet.

Budzinski, a moderate, defeated Republican candidate Jeff Wilson 64.9% to 35.1% last week. Budzinski's district encompasses central Illinois cities like Decatur, Springfield and Urbana and stretches south all the way to Belleville.

U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Illinois, previously served as chair of the coalition.

"New Dems have grown from slightly more than 40 Members when I was first elected 14 years ago to the 142-Member powerhouse it is today,” Schneider said in a statement. “Amidst the chaos of this Republican majority, New Dems have remained focused on the practical solutions the American people are demanding and getting ready for this moment."