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Four diverse leaders from competitive districts join the DCCC’s initial slate of ‘Red to Blue’ candidates
Today, the DCCC announced the second slate of candidates added to its highly competitive ‘Red to Blue’ program for the 2024 cycle. These four candidates will receive strategic guidance, staff resources, training, and fundraising support to ensure they are in the best possible position to win in November.
“I am excited to work with this diverse group of public servants, veterans, and leaders to take the House back in November. Their records of service stand in stark contrast to their extreme and dangerous far-right opponents. Their victories will help ensure Democrats retake the majority so Congress can get back to work to lower costs, grow the middle class, and defend our reproductive rights,” said DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene.
Red to Blue is a highly competitive and battle-tested DCCC program that arms top-tier candidates with organizational and fundraising support to help them continue to develop strong campaigns.
About DCCC’s New Red To Blue Candidates:
CA-45 – Derek Tran: Derek Tran is the son of Vietnamese refugees who fled a communist regime for the promise of the American Dream. A father of three, U.S. Army veteran, and small business owner, Derek deeply understands what’s at stake for Southern California’s working-class families – from the cost of living and prescription drugs to the threats on reproductive freedom and our democracy at large – and is well-equipped to advocate for their concerns in Congress. As a consumer rights attorney, he spent years fighting on behalf of workers getting ripped off and discriminated against by corporations – an experience that further shaped his call to service.
Orange County families deserve a representative who will work for them instead of protecting special interests and playing partisan games, and Tran is equipped to deliver that message to the voters in this diverse Biden +6.8 district with a broad coalition of support, impressive fundraising apparatus, and compelling contrast with the far-right incumbent.
CA-47 – Dave Min: Dave Min is a long-time Orange County problem solver, first-generation Korean American, and proud product of California public schools who understands the issues Southern California families are facing. During the financial crisis, Min fought to hold Wall Street accountable and to help stabilize our economy as an enforcement attorney at the Securities and Exchange Commission. As a California State Senator representing 80% of CA-47, Min shepherded 28 bills into law – including legislation enshrining abortion rights in the California Constitution, expanding protections for domestic violence survivors, banning gun sales on state property, and leading the fight to terminate offshore drilling and address the causes of our climate crisis.
In a district that has trended toward Democrats over the past few cycles, Orange County families have a proven vote-getter and common-sense champion for the middle class in Dave Min.
NJ-07 – Sue Altman: Sue Altman is a proud daughter of New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District. She grew up in Clinton, attended Clinton Public School and Voorhees High School, and calls Hunterdon County home. After playing college and professional basketball, Sue went on to become a teacher and successful basketball coach, leading two teams to state championships. During her time as a teacher, Sue became deeply involved in the fight for New Jersey’s schools and students. She stood up to then-Governor Chris Christie to protect teachers and fight against cuts to public education. For the last several years, Sue has been fighting for democracy and combating political corruption in Trenton, making sure government works for working people, not the political elite. Sue has seen firsthand that rising costs are making it harder for people to raise families, own homes, and retire with dignity. That’s why she’s taking her years of experience advocating for a fairer political system and running to protect New Jerseyans’ fundamental freedoms in Congress.
In 2020, Biden won NJ-07 by almost 4 points and Sue is primed to flip this ultra-competitive congressional seat.
NY-04 – Laura Gillen: Former Hempstead Town Supervisor Laura Gillen grew up in Baldwin, and is a lifelong resident of New York’s Fourth Congressional District. A tenacious fighter and advocate for the underdog, Laura has a long history of taking on big challenges and delivering results. After college, she assisted people living with HIV/AIDS at the height of the AIDS epidemic, and worked for St. Mother Teresa’s home for the dying. An attorney, Laura worked pro bono to represent victims of domestic violence. As a working mom, Laura saw a need for problem-solving leadership and in 2017 became the first Democrat to be elected as Hempstead Town Supervisor in 112 years. As Supervisor, Laura led efforts to revitalize the town’s infrastructure and sued to recover damages for contaminants in the public water supply.
The 2022 Democratic nominee in NY-04, Laura is running for Congress to take back this Biden-won seat and ensure Nassau County remains a safe and secure community where families can afford to buy a home and raise their children.
See the initial slate of the DCCC’s Red to Blue candidates HERE. |
