Michigan LT. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II elected Chair, three new members of Executive Committee
WASHINGTON — The Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association (DLGA) announced today that Michigan Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II will serve as the organization’s Chair in 2021.
“This year has been particularly consequential for lieutenant governors, who have been called upon to take the reins of responsibility as we lead our states in unprecedented ways in light of a lack of national leadership,” Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II said. “With an incoming Biden/Harris Administration, we have an opportunity to expand the role and responsibility of lieutenant governors to serve as advocates and advisors on our nation’s most pressing issues. I look forward to leading the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association into a new era of leadership and possibility.”
New York Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul completed her term after overseeing record breaking fundraising and spending as the organization’s Chair in 2020.
“Lieutenant governors have a unique platform to advocate for communities and bring innovative solutions to their state capitols, and the pandemic has only amplified their role in fighting COVID-19 and building back better,” said outgoing DLGA Chair New York Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul. “I’m proud to have elevated the role of the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association at the national-level, and use that momentum as a platform to showcase the incredible diversity and talent of our members. I want to congratulate Michigan Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II on his election as the next Chair of the DLGA, and I look forward to continuing helping elect and re-elect more Democratic Lieutenant Governors next year.”
The DLGA also welcomed three new members to its Executive Committee: California Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis, Connecticut Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz and Nevada Lt. Governor Kate Marshall.
“I am honored to serve as part of the DLGA Executive Committee for 2021, and I look forward to working with Lt. Governors Bysiewicz, Marshall and Chair Gilchrist to expand the DLGA’s support of Democratic Lieutenant Governors and candidates for lieutenant governor across the country. Democratic Lieutenant Governors are leading on issues like trade, immigration and education and we look forward to working with the Biden/Harris Administration to move these issues to the forefront.” said California Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis.
“I am honored to have been selected by my fellow lieutenant governors to serve on the DLGA’s Executive Committee and I look forward to working side-by-side with this collection of dynamic leaders,” said Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz. “Across the country, Democratic Lieutenant Governors are pursuing policy solutions rooted in the values of equality and opportunity, and aimed at improving the lives of hard-working families. Under the leadership of President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President- Elect Kamala Harris, I know we all will work hand-in-hand to restore and strengthen core Democratic
principles such as ensuring access to basic, affordable healthcare; protecting a woman’s right to choose; revitalizing our economy; training our workforce for the jobs of the future; strengthening LGBTQ+ protections; and so much more.”
Nevada Lt. Governor Kate Marshall on her new post, “Over the past two years, I have had the opportunity to witness Democratic Lieutenant Governors take innovative steps to address the on the ground needs of their communities from focusing on women in STEM to access to health to the prosperity of our small businesses. They have stepped up even more during this pandemic to address such issues as disparities in access to health care or the mental health issues of our children. Thus, I am both honored and humbled to join the DLGA Executive Committee as we continue to expand the electoral map for Democratic lieutenant governors and highlight the incredible work currently being done by my colleagues across the nation.”
During the 2020 election, Democrats added two new Lt. Governors and one Secretary of State: Vermont Lt. Governor-elect Molly Gray, Washington Lt. Governor-elect Denny Heck and Oregon Secretary of State-elect Shemia Fagan. DLGA’s Executive Director Roshan Patel said of the organization’s success this November and of the new leadership, “I would like to thank Lt. Governor Hochul for her unmeasured leadership of this organization during an incredibly challenging year where we broke fundraising and spending records. She is and continues to be a tireless worker for Democrats all across New York and around the country.
I am excited to welcome Lt. Governor Gilchrist as our Chair for 2021. Lt. Governor Gilchrist along with Lt. Governors Kounalakis, Bysiewicz and Marshall will set up this organization to be successful next November in New Jersey and Virginia and in 2022, where we will be competing in over 32 races all over the country.”
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
