Democratic leadership taps Terri Sewell as Chief Deputy Whip for the 116th Congress

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Terri Sewell

Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell will once again work Democratic leadership to help formulate policy and rally support for the Caucus’ legislative priorities on the House Floor. On Thursday, House Majority Whip-Elect James Clyburn announced he selected Sewell to serve as Chief Deputy Whip for the 116th Congress when it convenes in January, a post she has held since 2013.

“I am proud to accept the honor of serving as one of Democratic Whip James Clyburn’s Chief Deputy Whips for the 116th Congress,” said Sewell. “I am thrilled to work side-by-side with our Democratic leadership team supporting an agenda focused on good-paying jobs, access to affordable health care, infrastructure investments, and democracy reforms. Working to advance these priorities with our Democratic leadership team and with my colleagues on the Steering and Policy Committee, I believe we can make a real difference for working families in Alabama and across the country in the new year.”

Party whips are responsible for mobilizing the party vote on important legislation before they come to the floor to be voted on. The whip also acts as a liaison between the Members and the Caucus, to help build strong support for the Democratic agenda.

Clyburn announced ten total representatives who will serve as Chief Deputy Whips in the 116th Congress, including:  Rep. John Lewis (GA-05) and Rep. Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) will serve as Senior Chief Deputy Whips. Meanwhile Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), Rep. G.K. Butterfield (NC-01), Rep. Peter Welch (VT-AL), Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07), Rep. Shelia Jackson Lee (TX-18), Rep. Dan Kildee (MI-05), Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-31), and Rep. Henry Cuellar (TX-28) will serve as Chief Deputy Whips.

“In my campaign for Majority Whip, I promised to involve every segment of our Caucus and empower the next generation of leaders as integral parts of the Whip team,” said Clyburn. “I am very excited for the diverse set of experiences and talents these members and staff will bring to the table.”