Mondaire Jones named freshman representative to House leadership

The spot for the openly-gay Jones is the 'most influential role available to a freshman member of Congress.'

Nov 20, 2020

One of the two openly gay Black men elected to Congress this year will be the freshman class’ representative to the House leadership.

Mondaire Jones represents the 17th Congressional District in the suburbs of New York City.

New York Rep.-elect Mondaire Jones arrives to Capitol Hill last week for orientation for newly-elected members. Jones, one of the openly gay Black men elected to Congress this year, was voted freshman representative to the House leadership. (Photo by Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images)

He was chosen by his peers in a unanimous vote.

It’s the “most influential role available to a freshman member of Congress,” according to a press release.

Jones will meet weekly with House leadership and will be the spokesperson for the 15 new House of Representatives’ members set to be sworn in on Sunday, Jan. 3.

He will also be a member of the House Steering and Policy Committee, which makes recommendations to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi regarding committee memberships and leadership.

“Congressman-elect Mondaire Jones is a force for progress in New York and across America, whose brilliant legal mind, grassroots organizing experience, and spirit of advocacy and action have already enriched our House Democratic majority,” said Pelosi. “His leadership has been acknowledged by his election as freshman representative to leadership, where he will amplify, strengthen, and unify the voices of our diverse, dynamic Democratic caucus.”

“I’m proud to be part of the boldest, most diverse Congress in American history, and we’re ready to get to work on behalf of the American people,” Jones said. “We know that if we want to see the meaningful change our communities deserve, we need strong, thoughtful leadership at the table where policies are made. I’m grateful to the freshman class of the 117th Congress for providing me the opportunity to advocate for our shared values.”

Jones is a graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Law School. He previously worked in the Justice Department. Most recently, he was a litigator in the Westchester County Law Department.

The incoming freshman class also includes Ritchie Torres, another openly gay Black man representing New York, and Cori Bush, the first Black woman elected to Congress from Missouri.

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