Politics

Out Democrat Mondaire Jones wins “most influential role available to a freshman member of Congress”

Sleepy Hollow, New York / United States - November 2nd, 2019: Mondaire Jones for Congress
Congressional candidate Mondaire Jones in Sleepy Hollow, NY in 2019. Photo: Alex E Acaro / Shutterstock

Newly elected Congressman Mondaire Jones hasn’t even served a day yet, but he’s already landing plum positions in the House. The out politician has landed the “most influential role available to a freshman member of Congress.”

Jones was selected to be the Freshman Representative to Leadership. He will meet weekly with party leaders and will serve as the spokesperson for the 15-member incoming group of newly elected representatives.

Related: Surprise! One of Trump’s legal eagles is a raving anti-LGBTQ activist

“Jones will also serve on the powerful House Steering and Policy Committee, which makes recommendations to the Speaker of the House regarding committee memberships and leadership, and assists the Democratic Caucus in policy development and implementation,” an announcement about his selection touted.

“I’m honored that my classmates have elected me to serve as their Freshman Representative to Leadership,” Jones tweeted after the announcement. “I’m proud to be part of a class of history-makers. I look forward to joining the House leadership team and working to build our nation back better than ever. Let’s get to work.”

Jones is one of the two first out Black men elected to Congress, sharing the honor with fellow Representative-elect Ritchie Torres. Both men are from New York.

The 117th Congress is the most diverse in history. Eleven members – including both the House and Senate – are part of the LGBTQ community. The group of out lawmakers consist of Asian, Native American, Black, white, and Latino people.

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