Congressman García Elected as Whip of Congressional Progressive Caucus

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) was elected by his peers as Whip of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, which is comprised of 97 Members of Congress who advocate for policies that prioritize working families over corporate interests, fight economic and social inequalities, and advance civil liberties.

VIDEO of the press conference here.

PICTURES of the press conference here.

Congressman García issued the following statement after the election:

“It’s an honor to be elected by my colleagues as the next Whip of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. I am proud to join incoming Chair Casar, Deputy Chair Omar, and all members of the newly elected Executive Board as we prepare for the 119th Congress.

“In Chicago, we have a deep history of activism and organizing. My first exposure to the Civil Rights movement and the ‘68 Democratic Convention grew into an intersectional fight against destructive urban renewal, for dignified treatment of immigrant communities, and—very important in Chicago—equitable distributions of investments in our neighborhoods, and to give underrepresented communities a political voice.

“These issues, and the urgent need to give unheard communities a voice inspired the creation of   Chicago’s first Independent Political Organization (IPO), the 22nd Ward IPO, which has sustained our multiracial, cross-generational, progressive movement for 41 years. Our diverse coalition of progressives are now representing the neighborhoods they grew up in while advancing progressive agendas at the federal, state, and local levels. 

“In the 119th Congress, we will have the heavy charge of defending our communities from Trump’s dangerous agenda. I believe the role the CPC plays will be more critical than ever. We are a Caucus that gives platform to ideas deeply popular across the political spectrum, and a Caucus that builds diverse coalitions to get things done. 

“In the coming days and years, as we confront the horrible initiatives of the next administration, we will stand strong and speak as one in defense of our own, and each other’s, most vulnerable communities.

“So as we confront MAGA’s empty promises to working people, and its threats to immigrants and other vulnerable communities, the CPC has to take the opportunity to fight fake populism with real, popular, and people-centered platforms our Caucus supports.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress and partners in my district and across the country who believe in people-centered policies rooted in equity and justice for all.”

“It is my great honor to pass the torch to the next class of elected leadership of the Progressive Caucus: my dear friends and trusted colleagues Reps. Greg Casar, Ilhan Omar, and Chuy García,” said Chair Pramila Jayapal. “I was proud to establish term limits when I became Chair in 2018, and have full confidence in the abilities of our new class to lead this Caucus in the fight against the worst of the incoming Trump administration while rebuilding our party with a focus on economic justice for working people. I will be cheering these three new leaders and our new vice chairs at every turn as Chair Emerita come next year, and my heart is very full knowing we will have them at the helm of the CPC.”

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