Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis and Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia/Delaware) were selected to NewDEAL’s fall class of the nation’s top state and local leaders.

According to its website, NewDEAL (Developing Exceptional American Leaders) “brings together leaders focused on expanding opportunity, helping them develop and spread innovative ideas to spur economic growth that is equitable and sustainable. Most importantly, the organization facilitates the exchange of ideas among its members and connects them with other pro-growth progressive political, policy, and private sector leaders.”

Davis and McClinton were selected along with 17 other elected officials to join the group’s “selective national network of state and local leaders who receive support and promotion in their efforts to develop and spread good policy and govern effectively.”

The Wednesday announcement brings the total number of NewDEAL members – statewide officials, legislators, mayors, councilmembers, and other local leaders – to 206 leaders from 49 states. Davis, McClinton and the others were chosen from among more than 2,000 nominations over the organization’s thirteen years. NewDEAL alumni have included Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Gov. Josh Shapiro, and Stacey Abrams, along with many members of Congress. NewDEAL’s honorary co-chairs are U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) and U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland (D-Wash.).

“We are in a moment of both unprecedented challenges and incredible opportunities for state and local officials, whose work will have a huge impact on our nation’s ability to fight the impacts of climate change, address racial injustice, adapt to the changing nature of work, and combat threats to the core values of our nation,” said NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan.

“Amid many headwinds, the public servants who are providing innovative, forward-thinking leadership give us so much reason for hope and they need our support to develop, implement, and share their ideas. Members of the new class of NewDEALers who we welcome today exemplify the thoughtful, results-oriented approach to governing that our nation needs, and we look forward to highlighting and spreading their work across the country.”

So honored to be a part of the @NewDEALLeaders!🎉

I’m filled with immense gratitude to be joining this group of visionary leaders. 🙌🏾 https://t.co/ErCQnq2Ae1

— Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis (@LGAustinDavis) October 18, 2023

Beyond grateful & excited to be joining this group of leaders in thinking big & sharing model policies & programs! Let’s get to work! https://t.co/9q8DUeuWYw

— Rep. Joanna McClinton (@RepMcClinton) October 18, 2023