Third Annual NextGen NewDems Cohort Celebrates Completion of Seven-Month Staff Development Program
This week, the 2026 NextGen NewDems Staff Academy cohort participated in its final meeting, capping off the New Democrat Coalition’s seven-month staff development program. In their final meeting, cohort members participated in a moderated discussion with Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse (CO-02) and had the opportunity to meet with NextGen NewDems Co-Chairs Greg Landsman (OH-01) and Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), as well as New Dem Leadership Members Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Greg Stanton (AZ-04). Cohort members then received graduation certificates to mark their achievements.
Created in 2023, NextGen NewDems is the Coalition’s flagship professional development program for staffers in New Dem member offices with fewer than three years of experience on Capitol Hill. This year the program was led by four Co-Chairs – Reps. Jennifer McClellan and Greg Landsman were joined by New Dem Vice Chair for Member Services Josh Harder (CA-09) and Vice Chair for Communications Marc Veasey (TX-33) in leading the staff academy. The Co-Chairs issued the following statement on the graduation of the cohort:
“NextGen NewDems represent the best and brightest of what the New Democrat Coalition has to offer. They are not only the talented and dedicated staffers who deliver for our constituents every day, but the eventual leaders and lawmakers who will shape the future of this Congress.
“We are incredibly proud of this year’s cohort for taking the time to invest in themselves, learn from a broad group of professionals, and forge the relationships that will sustain them throughout their careers. We look forward to having a front row seat to their successes in the years to come.”
This year, the cohort, consisting of more than 60 New Dem staffers, participated in a series of regular meetings to learn from experienced professionals, make meaningful connections, and develop skills that apply to their daily work and set them up to succeed in Congress. Cohort members met with Members of Congress, chiefs of staff, legislative directors, House committee staff, the House Chief Administration Officer’s talent development team, and more. They also engaged in a series of social networking events and workshops to build out a foundation for career advancement.
“Being part of the NextGen New Dems 2026 Cohort was an incredibly rewarding experience. The program gave me valuable tools for career development, inspiring insights from Members of Congress, and practical advice on how to advocate for myself in the workplace,” said NextGen NewDems cohort member Sana Ajeena, Staff Assistant with Rep. Mike Quigley (IL-05). “I left feeling more confident, motivated, and equipped to grow as a professional and leader. I’m grateful for the opportunity and highly recommend the program to anyone looking to invest in their personal and professional development.”
“The NextGen New Dems Staff Academy has been immensely helpful as I navigate my early career on the hill,” said Jack Wetzel, Legislative Assistant for Rep. Janelle Bynum (OR-05). “As someone who started the program in a junior staff role, I have directly applied my experiences, lessons, and added knowledge to a newly expanded role. Getting to hear from experts in a diverse range of positions on the hill set me up to elevate in my office and continue growing and supporting a New Dem member.”
New Dems look forward to fostering the development of future staffers with another iteration of the NextGen program in 2027.
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