Can you donate now to join our fight?

We just launched the Power to Appoint Fund to highlight the important role Dem Govs play to ensure integrity in our country’s judicial process and protect fundamental freedoms. Your support will ensure we can make crucial investments in key states and protect our democracy. Please don’t wait: rush your gift to elect Democratic governors! >>>

DGA Announces 2017-18 Leadership Team

Latest News

DGA Announces 2017-18 Leadership Team 

Gov. Malloy re-elected as DGA Chair, Gov. Inslee named 2018 Chair-elect, Gov. Cuomo Policy Chair

New Orleans, LA – Today, Democratic governors re-elected Connecticut Gov. Dan Malloy to serve a second term as chairman of the Democratic Governors Association (DGA) during the organization’s winter meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee – the DGA Vice Chair – was also named Chair-elect, after serving in the position in 2016. Inslee will serve as the incoming chair in 2018.

The Democratic governors group announced New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo as DGA Policy Chair, and Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe as Chair of the DGA’s redistricting project, Unrig The Map.

“We are proud to name these strong leaders to the Democratic Governors Association’s leadership team for 2017,” said DGA Executive Director Elisabeth Pearson. “Governor Malloy’s leadership in 2016 helped the DGA recruit strong candidates, set fundraising records and win the marquee governor’s race in North Carolina while protecting all 3 Democratic incumbents.  

“Gov. Malloy has also been a Democratic policy leader: raising the minimum wage, passing paid sick leave and signing historic criminal justice reform,” Pearson continued. “Gov. Malloy and Gov. Inslee are a proven and effective leadership duo, and we look forward to building on their success in 2017.” 

Malloy was elected to his first one-year term in December 2015. He succeeded Montana Gov. Steve Bullock.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be chosen by my fellow governors for another year as DGA Chair in 2017,” Gov. Malloy said. “As Democrats, there is nothing more important we can do as a party than to begin rebuilding at the state level. That’s why we must elect Democratic governors in 2017 and 2018.”

Democratic governors will continue to lead on innovative solutions to grow the economy and strengthen the middle class,” Malloy said. “And, the governors elected over the next four years will play a pivotal role in undoing GOP gerrymandering during the 2021 redistricting process. I am honored to serve as DGA Chair during these critical times and look forward to working with the full DGA leadership team.”

As Chair-elect, Gov. Inslee will serve as DGA Vice Chair through 2017 and as DGA Chair in 2018 — an election year which is said to bring “widespread opportunities for Democratic gains.

“Democratic governors have a critical voice in policy, as Washington D.C. considers damaging plans like ending bipartisan Medicaid expansion in the states,” Gov. Inslee said. “Democrats will go on the offense in 2018, with major opportunities to grow our ranks of Democratic governors. I look forward to serving as Chair-elect and to working with governors and candidates across the country.”

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo was also elected to the DGA leadership team, serving as Policy Chair for 2017. 

“Progress at the state level is more important now than ever and with my fellow DGA members, we’re working to develop and advance an agenda that improves the lives of all Americans,” said Gov. Cuomo. “From raising the minimum wage, to passing strong paid family leave, to making record investments in infrastructure and education, New York has been focused on delivering real results. I look forward to working with my fellow Democratic governors to enact meaningful change and work to unite a nation that has been divided for far too long. Only by standing together can we stand against the forces of intolerance and injustice.” 

###