Congresswoman Lee Elected Battleground Leadership Representative for 119th Congress

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) was elected as the House Democratic Caucus’ Battleground Leadership Representative for the 119th Congress. Lee created the position in 2022 to ensure that Democratic House members representing the most competitive districts in the country have a seat at the Democratic Caucus leadership table. The position is elected by returning Frontline members and incoming Red to Blue freshmen before the start of each Congress. 

“As a battle-tested Frontliner from a swing district in the swing state of Nevada, I fully understand the unique challenges that our battleground members face. Despite such challenges, the vast majority of battleground members exceeded expectations,” said Congresswoman Lee. “I’m honored that my colleagues have elected me as the Battleground Leadership Representative to make sure we have an elevated voice within the leadership of the Democratic Caucus. We are the majority makers, and our unique perspective will guide Democrats in returning to the majority in the House in 2026. We have a lot of work to do, and I’m ready to get to work.” 

Lee is originally from a working-class steel town in Canton, Ohio, but has lived in southern Nevada for over 30 years. She was elected in 2018 during a Trump presidency and has won reelection three times in Nevada’s most competitive congressional district, which has a plurality of non-partisan voters. Lee’s district is also one of the most racially, economically, and geographically diverse in the country. 

November 12, 2024    

Dear Battleground Colleagues,  

Congratulations on winning extremely challenging races. As we emerge from disappointing results at the top of the ticket, I know that all of us in battleground districts have already begun the process of assessing what happened and planning for the future. As members who represent the most competitive districts in the nation, it’s critical that the House Democratic Caucus hears and respects our voices because 2026 will certainly prove to be the election of our lifetimes. In the interim, should House Democrats once again be in the minority in a stacked Republican government, our leadership will be more important now than ever.  

I am writing to ask for your support to serve next Congress as your Battleground Leadership Representative, a position that I created in 2022 to ensure that “majority makers” have a seat at the Democratic Caucus leadership table. For years, battleground members had lamented the lack of battleground representation in leadership, so in 2022 I decided to change that – successfully whipping our caucus to amend caucus rules and create this new position, which is elected by returning Frontline and incoming Red to Blue members before the start of each Congress.  

Despite being a four-time Frontliner myself and facing the demands that you all know a competitive race requires, I've spent significant time and resources supporting my Frontline and Red to Blue peers because I firmly believe that winning the majority is a team sport. I plan to bring this same mentality to the Battleground Leadership Representative position – sharing resources and information I’ve garnered from my four cycles as a battlegrounder to support you and your staff and ensure that together we secure the majority in 2026.  

I first won my seat during the 2018 midterms, so having already served as a Frontline member during a Trump presidency, I understand firsthand the tactics and challenges that we will face. The majority of our caucus will be intent on fighting back at every step of the way. And while our party will ask us to join in these partisan fights, we all know that the people we represent expect a more nuanced approach. Having an experienced battleground voice in the leadership room will be critical to not only preserving our values and most vulnerable seats, but also having the majority. 

I am a battle-tested perennial Frontliner from a swing district in the swing state of Nevada – both of which have a plurality of non-partisan voters – so I understand the high expectations of our constituents and the delicate balance each of us must keep when making every voting decision. My district is also one of the most racially and economically diverse districts in the country – with significant White, AANHPI, Latino, and Black populations. Furthermore, I grew up in a steel town in Ohio, and four of my seven siblings (including a few who voted for Trump) still live there. I understand the working-class angst that has turned against Democrats and the disciplined work that us battleground members must do to reach each demographic. I am committed to supporting each of your teams as we navigate these turbulent waters.  

I’ve also built respected relationships with leadership over my nearly six years in Congress and have experience working with leadership to drive results for battleground districts. Over the last two terms, I served as Steering and Policy Committee Representative, where I helped many freshmen members in my region land their optimal committee assignments. I’ve also served as Whip of the New Democratic Coalition and Vice Chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus, where I’ve fought to preserve the bipartisan and pragmatic approach to problem solving that our constituents demand. In each of these roles, I have learned how to effectively influence leadership decisions – in the majority and minority – and advocate for battleground members in a way that gets results. Whether it’s asking leadership for cover on a tricky vote, fighting to get your priorities in moving legislation, or navigating a change in committee assignment, I will work with leadership to help you drive real wins for your district.  

I also plan on using this position to grow our camaraderie as an important coalition in our caucus. Not only does my staff stand ready to provide timely legislative guidance and discussion around important votes and issues, but we also need to recognize and support our members on the human side of this job. That means providing opportunities for social gatherings, a space to share strategic scheduling and district outreach ideas, and quite honestly, just some good old fashioned vent sessions. Let’s face it, our jobs are much different than the majority of our colleagues and I understand the toll it takes on us and our families. Many of you have been a guest at some of these informal gatherings that I hosted in past years. I plan to add informal policy gatherings to the agenda as well, as a way for us to get an off-the-record opportunity to hear from experts in topical policy areas.  

I’ve always run my race on my record of getting real results for my district. Now, I’m running for Battleground Leadership Representative to use my experience to ensure your interests are strongly represented at the leadership table, and to get real results that you can bring back to your districts.  

I hope to have the opportunity to speak with you and earn your vote. I will continue to be in touch, but if you have any questions about my candidacy, please do not hesitate to reach out directly or contact my Chief of Staff, Lauren Toy, at lauren.toy@mail.house.gov.  

Thank you for your consideration.  

Sincerely,  

Susie Lee  

Member of Congress