Dingell elected to House Democratic leadership post

Washington — House Democrats late Thursday elected U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell as one of four leaders of the caucus’ messaging arm. 

Starting in January, Dingell, of Dearborn will co-chair the House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee along with Chair David Cicilline of Rhode Island and Co-Chairs Ted Lieu of California and Matt Cartwright of Pennsylvania. 

Dingell, a former member of the Democratic National Committee, had pressed the need for Midwest representation in the leadership of the committee, which oversees the caucus’ policy agenda and communications strategy.

“I’m going to make sure that when we’re at the table talking policy and message that the Midwest’s and the Heartland’s viewpoint is represented. That already happened today,” Dingell said Friday after the first meeting of Democratic leadership at the U.S. Capitol.

“I’m very excited. I work well with everybody, but we got to remember we’re here to deliver for working men and women, and that’s what I’m never going to forget.”

Other members of the Michigan delegation this week also won election to leadership posts. 

Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, was re-elected Tuesday to the House Republican Steering Committee, which determines committee assignments.  

In addition, incoming House Democrats elected Rep.-elect Haley Stevens on Wednesday as co-president of their freshman class.

She will serve as co-president of the 60-plus member class with Rep.-elect Colin Allred, who this month unseated longtime Texas Republican Rep. Pete Sessions. 

mburke@detroitnews.com