The new members: Reps.-elect Wesley Bell (D-Mo.) and George Latimer (D-N.Y.)
How they got here: Bell defeated his GOP opponent, Andrew Jones Jr., 76 percent to 18 percent after defeating progressive incumbent Rep. Cori Bush (D) in the primary.
Latimer, meanwhile, bested his GOP rival, Miriam Flisser, 72 percent to 28 percent after besting progressive Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D) in the primary.
Inside the campaign: Both men ran on delivering results and federal resources for their districts. Latimer stressed what matters is what “results are you delivering” rather than fighting with the other party, while Bell said his reason for running was to “deliver results for you.”
One of the main focuses of these two Democratic primaries: Bowman and Bush’s outspoken criticism of Israel over its handling of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Pro-Israel groups, most notably AIPAC, spent millions in both contests to defeat the two progressive members of the Squad.
The issues they’ll focus on: Latimer has stressed delivering “results” in areas like infrastructure funding and other federal resources for his district, insisting he wants to show voters that the government can address their needs.
Bell has vowed action to promote affordable housing construction, protect reproductive rights at the federal level, expand access to health care and curb gun violence.
Both are expected to be reliable Democratic votes while representing their heavily blue districts.
Background: Both men are veterans of local political office now taking their talents to Washington.
Bell started his career as a public defender before becoming the first Black county prosecuting attorney in St. Louis County history in January 2019 after upsetting the longtime incumbent.
Latimer has served in various elected offices since 1987. He was a New York assemblyman and state senator until 2018, when he became Westchester County executive.
Campaign ad that caught our eye: Latimer’s sales pitch in his introductory ad hitting Bowman: “Unfortunately, instead of working for us, our congressman is making news for all the wrong reasons.”
Fun fact: Bell’s start in 2006 was certainly unusual for a self-described progressive. He managed the congressional campaign of a conservative Republican, Mark J. Byrne (who lost the contest badly in the same seat he’ll now hold). Bell said it was a favor for a longtime friend, adding the two disagreed sharply on policy.
We’re spotlighting new members during the transition. Want more? Meet Rep.-elect Brian Jack.
