New York Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney has been tapped to lead the Democrats’ campaign arm into the 2022 elections — as the House analyzes why it unexpectedly lost seats in November.
Maloney, an openly gay centrist who represents the conservative-leaning Hudson Valley, will chair the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee — which helps recruit House candidates, raises money and provides campaign guidance.
“I’m honored and humbled to earn the trust of my colleagues to lead the @DCCC at this pivotal moment in history,” Maloney, 54, tweeted Thursday. “Now, it’s time for House Democrats to unite and go forward together. We need a unified front to win in 2022. We will protect this majority… for the people.”
Maloney beat Rep. Tony Cardenas (D-Calif.) in a 119-107 vote by House Democrats on Thursday, a person familiar with the virtual vote told the Associated Press.
Maloney takes the helm as House Democrats scramble to figure out why they lost at least a dozen incumbents in last month’s election, despite widespread expectations that they’d gain 15 or so seats.
No House Republican lost.
Outgoing DCCC chairwoman Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-Ill.) announced she was leaving the job shortly after Election Day.
The looming 2022 election will shape up as a tough one for Democrats as they try to hold onto a razor-thin majority. House districts will be redrawn following this year’s US Census, and total Republican control in key states like Florida, Georgia, Texas and Ohio will let the GOP reshape lines to help the party.
With Post wires