California Congressman Ami Bera Announces Run for Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Leadership
- The longest-serving Indian American representative says he’s “confident” that his “skills and experiences” would make him “the best choice” to lead the fundraising arm of the Democratic Party.
Rep. Ami Bera (D-Calif.) has entered the race to seek the leadership of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC). The longest-serving Indian American in the U.S. House said he’s “confident” that his “skills and experiences” would make him “the best choice” to lead the DCCC, “at this pivotal moment as we seek to win in 2024 and deliver for the American people.” Bera is looking to replace DCCC chief, Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (D-N.Y.), who lost his own reelection bid last week.
In a letter to his colleagues, Bera, who was just easily re-elected from California’s 7th district, wrote that as the DCCC frontline chair for the past four years and a member of Chair Sean Patrick Maloney’s leadership team, he “oversaw the efforts to protect vulnerable frontline members while also helping elect dynamic new members.” He noted in the letter that “as a first-generation Indian American,” he understands “the strength of our diversity.”
The DCCC fundraising arm of the Democratic Party is charged with recruiting Democratic candidates and supporting their campaigns.
In the letter, Bera, who was first elected to Congress 10 years ago, included his fundraising ability as well. “This cycle alone, I have directly raised and given almost $500,000 to Democratic members and candidates,” he wrote. “And through my work at the DCCC, I have directly helped raise over $3.8 million for Frontline and Red to Blue races and over $1,400,000 for the committee.”
Politico noted that “for the time being, the DCCC chair’s mandate for the next cycle remains uncertain, with control of the House still uncalled.” However, it added that as the Republicans will gain “a slimmer-than-expected majority, Democrats’ next campaign arm leader will have an easier path to victory than they initially feared.”
According to Politico, Bera already has a few supporters, including Reps. Kim Schrier (D-Wash.) and Colin Allred (D-Texas). Schrier told the publication that Bera knew how to win tough races like hers and “has the experience and battle wounds necessary to lead the DCCC. I am confident Ami will be a valuable asset to Members across our caucus.” Allred called Bera a “unifier” who “will be a strong supporter of our colleagues from all corners of our diverse caucus as we look towards 2024.”
Bera is expected to face another California Democrat, Rep. Tony Cárdenas. The elections for chair won’t be held until next month, Politico noted, adding that “some in the party are pushing for changes to how the party picks its campaign chief, wanting leadership to pick the position rather than putting it to a caucus-wide election.”