The NewDems Action Fund has now endorsed 38 candidates this cycle
Today, the New Democrat Coalition Action Fund (NDAF) announced endorsements in four key battleground districts critical to the House majority: Pia Dandiya (FL-22), Zach Dembo (KY-06), Leela Gray (FL-13), and Manny Rutinel (CO-08). NDAF-endorsed candidates now make up 24 of the 26 DCCC Red to Blue candidates.
“New Dems are proud to endorse four more candidates who have what it takes to win and hold some of the toughest districts on the map,” said NDAF Chair Greg Stanton. “Pia, Zach, Leela, and Manny are battle-tested candidates who will overwhelm extremists and overcome redistricting to help Democrats deliver the majority in November. New Dems will continue expanding the battlefield and putting pragmatic leaders in the strongest positions to win so we can deliver real solutions in Congress.”
"I'm honored to have the support of the New Dems. We share a belief that leadership isn't about political fights, it's about delivering pragmatic results,” said Pia Dandiya. “I'll work every day to lower costs for South Florida families and take on the corruption that's broken trust in Washington. That's the kind of leadership South Florida deserves.”
"I'm proud to share the New Dems’ commitment to results-focused leadership — lowering costs, growing opportunity, and making government work for people and not a privileged few,” said Zach Dembo. “As a teacher, a Navy JAG officer, and a federal prosecutor, I've always shown up and done the work - that's exactly the kind of leadership New Dems stand for and what Central Kentucky needs right now. I'm grateful to have this Coalition in this fight with us, and I'm ready to get to work delivering real results for working Kentuckians."
"I've spent my career believing that a strong economy and fiscal discipline aren't partisan positions, they're just good governance,” said Leela Gray. “This coalition understands that growing the economy and making sure it actually works for the people doing the work is how we solve the cost-of-living crisis facing families in Pinellas and Pasco County. I'm proud to stand with a group focused on results, not ideology, and I'm ready to bring that same mindset to Congress."
"As a State Representative and former economist for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, I’ve learned that making progress requires working with others, like the New Dems, and working hard to get things done,” said Manny Rutinel. “We need honest, accountable leadership that fights for working families and knows deep in their bones the struggles that hardworking families are facing."
Pia Dandiya (FL-22): A Palm Beach County native who is a former educator, high school principal, and experienced policy professional running to keep FL-22 blue after Florida Republicans tried to take it off the map with a last-minute gerrymander.
Zach Dembo (KY-06): A former Navy JAG officer, federal prosecutor, and teacher, Dembo has put this formerly safe Republican seat on the map with a strong primary performance, high-profile endorsements, and fundraising figures that consistently outperform his Republican opponent.
Leela Gray (FL-13): A retired Brigadier General and small business owner, Leela is a standout candidate in a crowded primary field who is Democrats’ best chance to finally oust extremist, out-of-touch incumbent Anna Paulina Luna.
Manny Rutinel (CO-08): A Colorado State House member and former attorney, Manny was recently added to the DCCC’s Red to Blue program as he fights to unseat incumbent Gabe Evans in one of the closest races in the country.