Good to see this. I can’t emphasize too much how crucial it is for Democrats to fight hard at the LOCAL level for state legislatures, governor’s mansions, Attorneys General and Lt. Governors. I also can’t emphasize too much how badly Democrats need to have dedicated resources/infrastructure and a long-term plan for winning back power up and down the board in this country. Republicans have done that, but Dems…not so much. This new effort – the Democratic Lt. Governors’ Association – seems like exactly the type of initiative we need going forward. Purely from a Virginia political perspective, I’d add that this seems like a good way for Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax to establish a more national presence for himself…hence a smart move politically speaking.
DEMOCRATIC LIEUTENANT GOVERNORS ESTABLISH NATIONAL ORGANIZATION
New Group To Develop Candidates Next-In-Line To Governorships
WASHINGTON — Democratic lieutenant governors across the country today announced a new national organization committed to driving critical state issues and supporting candidates across the nation.
Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax will serve as the group’s first chairman.
Executive Committee Members include:
- Delaware Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long
- Montana Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney
- Washington Lt. Gov. Cyrus Habib
Roshan Patel, former finance director of the Democratic Governors Association, will serve as Executive Director and will build out the DLGA team moving forward.
The Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association (DLGA), an independent voluntary political organization, will provide resources to fund operations, advise on policy matters and assist Democrats in their campaigns for lieutenant governor.
“This organization is long overdue, and I am excited to support both our current leaders and future Democratic candidates for these important statewide roles,” said DLGA Chairman and Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax. “Fourteen states have Democratic lieutenant governors right now. That changes this year.”
“We know now more than ever just how critical every race is– from our city councils to our state leaders,” said Delaware Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long. “It’s important we work to elect those who will fight for the same democratic values we share with every day hard working Americans. Our communities and our country depend on it.”
“I’m thrilled to join my colleagues in uniting our shared values with folks across the nation and as we strive to make a meaningful difference in the future and direction of our country,” said Montana Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney.
“State elections are consequential in reshaping policy and altering the long-term balance of power both in DC and state capitals,” said Washington Lt. Gov. Cyrus Habib. “There is fury and concern across the country, and we need to channel that into a desire to vote.”
Democratic lieutenant governors serve as a state’s second-in-command and perform critical tasks overseeing economic development, trade policy, homeland security, education and overall legislative processes. Lieutenant governors are the only officials with specific duties and powers in two branches of state government: the executive and legislative branches. Currently, 25 states elect a lieutenant governor on a ticket with the governor, while 18 states elect a lieutenant governor separately.
“I’m excited to be working with such a good and diverse group of Lieutenant Governors who have the vision and foresight to help grow the party,” said Roshan Patel, DLGA Executive Director.
The DLGA is proud to support current Democratic lieutenant governors in 14 states and 1 U.S. territory.
To book any of the lieutenant governors for an interview, please email press@democraticlgs.org.
To learn more, visit: www.DemocraticLGs.org, follow @DemocraticLGs on Twitter and visit the DLGA’s Facebook page.
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