NY LT. Governor Kathy Hochul elected first woman chair, two new members of Executive Committee
WASHINGTON — The Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association (DLGA) announced today that New York Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul will serve as the organization’s Chair in 2020. Hochul takes over a revamped organization that will be completing its first full year as a recognized political committee and has seen its membership grow from 14 to 24 Lieutenant Governors since its formation.
“As Washington gridlock continues, Democratic Governors and Lieutenant Governors are stepping up to fill the leadership void and move their states forward and improve the lives of all Americans,” said New York Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul. “Lieutenant Governors have unique perspectives on the ground in our diverse states, and as we’ve seen in 2018 and 2019, Democrats can compete all across this country and know how to win using the Democratic message. I look forward to leading the effort to re-elect our Democratic Lieutenant Governors and win in more state capitals as we head into the critical 2020 election year.”
The organization’s Co-Chairs, Delaware Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long and Washington Lt. Governor Cyrus Habib, completed their term and will be stepping down to make way for the DLGA’s new leadership team. Lt. Governor Habib will remain on the organization’s five member Executive Committee. Lt. Governor Hall-Long on her term as Co-Chair said, “I am so proud of the growth we’ve seen in just a short time. It has been a pleasure to serve as Co-Chair and I’m excited to continue to help my colleagues any way I can.”
“It’s been an honor to serve as co-chair for the past year,” Lt. Governor Habib said. “I’m proud that in this short time, we have almost doubled our membership and effectively supported Democrats all over the country. We know this is just the beginning.”
The organization also announced that Michigan Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II and New Mexico Lt. Governor Howie Morales will join the group’s Executive Committee. Lt. Governor Gilchrist said, “Democratic Lieutenant Governors are a diverse group of public servants doing important work across the country. The DLGA plays a critical role in helping elect more talented people to serve in these important roles and build the Party’s bench for years to come. Added Lt. Governor Howie Morales, “It’s an honor to join Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul in helping steer the course for the DLGA as we approach this important upcoming election. The stakes have never been higher for the people of our country. Democratic Lieutenant Governors, who today represent the majority of Americans, are showing what it takes to win elections in every part of our nation. And in New Mexico, we now are investing in our classrooms, in good jobs and infrastructure, and in a clean energy future. That’s the kind of progress America wants.”
Democrats picked up the Lieutenant Governor’s seat in Kentucky this past November and are looking to continue that success in 2020 and beyond. The DLGA’s Executive Director, Roshan Patel said of the organization’s new leadership, “I’d like to thank Lt. Governors Hall-Long and Habib for serving as Co-Chairs this past year. Because of their hard work, we have made tremendous strides. Lt. Governor Hochul is a tireless worker and brings a lot of energy and excitement to the organization and that momentum will continue under her leadership, along with that of Lt. Governors Habib, Gilchrist, and Morales.”
The DLGA is an independent voluntary political organization that provides resources and policy assistance to candidates in their campaigns for Lieutenant Governor. The DLGA is proud to support current Democratic Lieutenant Governors in 22 states and 2 U.S. territories.
