Statement from Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz

For Immediate Release

Date: April 5, 2011

Washington, DC – Today, DNC Chairman Tim Kaine resigned his role at the DNC to run for the Senate in Virginia.  Following his resignation, Vice President Biden announced in an email to DNC members that President Obama has tapped Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz as his choice to serve as the next DNC Chair – a choice which is expected to be considered by DNC members in the very near future.  If elected by the full membership, Wasserman Schultz would be the first woman elected to the role of DNC Chair by Party members.  Two women have previously served as Chair in an appointed capacity, one in an interim role.  Regarding her selection, Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz issued the following statement:

 “I am so honored and humbled to be President Obama’s choice to serve as the next DNC chair, and I look forward to seeking approval by my colleagues on the Democratic National Committee to serve in this important role.  The DNC shares my core mission to help Democrats succeed – electorally and legislatively – so that we are able to deliver on and win the future for the American people.  Tim Kaine will be a tough act to follow at the DNC, but I am hopeful that I will be able to build on his successful tenure, make our party even stronger and elect and re-elect Democrats up and down the ticket in 2011 and 2012.  And during my tenure, there will be nothing more important to our Party or to the American people than advancing President Obama’s agenda and ensuring that he is elected to a second term so we can continue to move our country forward. 

“I have always been proud to be a Democrat.  Throughout history, the great leaders of our party have labored alongside our community and grassroots activists to advance Americans’ rights and increase opportunity for all Americans.  So it is with even greater pride that I will take up our party’s torch and continue to fight for progress at the Democratic Party.”

 “All across America, Democratic leaders are fighting hard to create jobs and boost economic recovery, deliver real education reforms that guarantee American students are able to get ahead, and further the causes of justice and equality.  And all across this country, entrenched Republican forces are doing everything they can to prevent Democrats from succeeding in those goals.  As we look toward 2012 in particular, I’m going to be working hard every day to guarantee that President Obama and Democratic candidates up and down the ballot are in the best position to win their races.  That was my promise to the President and that will be my promise to every single Democrat across the country.”