Democrats Look to a New Generation in Congress: Resources and potential.
As Democrats regroup to extend their majority in Congress, columnist Jamelle Bouie highlights several new members of the party, including Jason Crow, part of a spike in class size that could give Democrats an edge in legislating their agenda.
“The course for the party’s post-Trump future runs through them, as it does through a record wave of younger, more diverse candidates who won primaries in 2018 or will take office for the first time this year. They are the new face of the House Democratic Caucus.
Jason Crow pledged to serve for three terms if Congress didn’t pass new gun laws
With a PhD in microbiology and immunology who served multiple tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan with the Army, Jason Crow, 39, a former white-collar criminal defense attorney, won the seat vacated in 2018 by the Republican Kurt Schrader.
“Crow, born and raised in Highlands Ranch, Colo., submitted two bills out of the gate on his first day in Congress, on Jan. 3. One prevents people in hand-to-hand combat situations from obtaining gun permits, as most permit systems require fingerprinting and waiting periods. The other tightened background check procedures. Crow pledged to serve only three terms if Congress did not pass new gun laws.
Castro and excitement in the wave that arrived with him.
Menéndez also sees Congress growing more diverse and younger, underscoring Democratic gains in part because of immigration.
“In addition to stunning victories like the winning of Antonio Delgado in a largely white rural upstate New York district and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in the outer boroughs of New York City, some of the most notable victors are members-elect like Gil Cisneros in a sun-scorched Inland Empire district of California and Jason Crow who won an open seat in and around Denver.
These “young’ Democrats owe their election in large part to their newfound hedges in suburban and urban districts.
“Members of this cohort will make their mark on the party going forward and advance to positions of influence, in the House, in Senate campaigns and in the Democratic Party apparatus.”
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