Democratic Governors Elect Governor Gina Raimondo as Next DGA Chair

Governor Phil Murphy to Serve as Chair-Elect for 2020

NEW ORLEANS – America’s Democratic Governors voted today to elect Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo to serve as the new Chair of the Democratic Governors Association for 2019. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy will serve as Vice Chair and Chair-Elect for 2020. The vote came at the DGA’s Annual Meeting in New Orleans, LA.
Raimondo has served as DGA Vice Chair since December 2017, alongside outgoing Chair Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington.
“I am proud to step up and lead the Democratic Governors Association, and I join my fellow governors in thanking outgoing Chair Governor Jay Inslee for his tremendous leadership over this past year,” said DGA Chair Governor Gina Raimondo. “2018 was the biggest year for Democratic gubernatorial pickups since 1982. I was honored to work with Jay during this record-setting year in which we flipped 7 seats and tripled our number of women governors. The majority of Americans – 175 million – are now represented by Democratic governors. I look forward to working with my fellow Democratic governors to advance innovative policies in our states, and to elect more governors to join us.”
“I’m honored to take on this new role with my fellow Democratic governors,” said DGA Chair-Elect Governor Phil Murphy. “We’re showing in New Jersey how Democratic leadership can bring real change on the state level, despite the mistaken priorities of Washington, D.C.  In the Garden State, we’re delivering real results for families, from strengthening economic security for working families to fighting for gender equality, and from combatting climate change to expanding access to higher education. I look forward to working with Governor Raimondo and my fellow governors to continue making significant progress in our states.”  
“Serving my fellow Americans and fellow governors as DGA Chair has been a tremendous honor, and I am proud of what we’ve accomplished over the past year,” said outgoing DGA Chair Governor Jay Inslee. “My fellow governors and I have served as a needed check on Washington, D.C., and collaborated to drive forward progressive policies in our states. And not only that, but we shattered records by flipping seven seats, while protecting all 9 Democratic-held states. I am confident leaving the DGA in the capable hands of Governors Raimondo and Murphy, and I look forward to continued success under their leadership.”
BACKGROUND:
As Rhode Island’s first female governor, Gov. Gina Raimondo is bringing change to Rhode Island. In four years, she’s made unmistakable progress to rebuild the middle class and create opportunity for every Rhode Islander. Since she became governor, Rhode Island cut the state deficit while making significant investments in economic development, job training, infrastructure and education. Because of Gina’s leadership, Rhode Island is now one of just five states to offer tuition-free access to community college and job training. Gina cut the tax on Social Security income for seniors, cut the car tax, cut thousands of pages of regulations for small businesses and has repaired the most roads and bridges in a generation — creating good jobs in the process.
Governor Phil Murphy has been called a “pro-growth progressive” for his commitment to creating a fairer, stronger, and future-focused New Jersey economy. Since taking office in January 2018, Governor Murphy has enacted strong equal pay laws, strengthened voting rights, and acted to support New Jersey’s immigrant communities and make health care more affordable, among other measures. Under his leadership, New Jersey has also set aggressive goals for offshore wind energy to further combat climate change. Prior to running for office, Governor Murphy served as United States Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany under President Barack Obama. Gov. Murphy has served on numerous non-profit boards and has led a national task force on the future of education.