Senator Vin Gopal Selected as One of Nation’s Top Pro-Growth Progressive Leaders

Joins group of 150 of the most innovative Democratic state and local officials

Washington, D.C. – Today, Senator Vin Gopal (Monmouth, Dist. 11), the Majority Conference Leader, was selected as one of nine leaders from across the country to join the NewDEAL (Developing Exceptional American Leaders), a selective national network of state and local leaders led by Honorary Co-Chairs U.S. Senator Mark Warner and former Governor Jack Markell. Members of the 150-person network, who are working to enact pro-growth progressive solutions in a diverse array of communities, have been chosen from among more than 1000 nominations over its seven-year history.

Gopal and his peers in the new class of leaders (listed below) were recognized for their unwavering commitment to expanding opportunity, as they work to move their communities forward in the new economy and reject the idea that policymakers can or should want to turn the clock back to a prior era. These leaders’ work will help build on NewDEAL’s The Way Forward, a policy agenda released last fall with innovative ideas to address the most pressing issues facing Americans in the digital age.

“Anyone wondering where to look for a bench of talented rising Democrats should take note of the NewDEAL’s innovative network of results-oriented and forward-thinking leaders,” said Senator Warner (D-VA) and Governor Markell. “We are excited to welcome Senator Gopal as part of another class of innovative pro-growth progressives from throughout the country who are committed to meeting the demands of a changing world and rebuilding trust in government. We look forward to promoting his work as part of NewDEAL’s policy agendas, while giving him the chance to learn from other leaders and work with them to set a vision for the future.”

NewDEAL Leaders have found broad support for their work, with 98 percent of members winning elections in 2016 and 2017, across red, blue, and purple states, including ten elected to higher office. Four members were elevated to statewide office, including in the swing states of Pennsylvania and North Carolina.

“I’m excited to be a part of this new class and to work with them on NewDEAL’s efforts to expand opportunity in communities nationwide,” said Gopal. “As we continue to work in Trenton to improve the quality of life in Monmouth and across our state, I look forward to sharing the lessons we learn and hearing from other leaders who are setting the standard for effective governance.”

A successful owner of a small marketing and publishing company, Gopal has brought his valuable insight into economic development to the legislature and has been a prominent advocate for pro-growth policies since his election in November. He recently introduced legislation that would exempt sales tax for two years on certain highly fuel-efficient vehicles and energy efficient appliances, while also prioritizing the revitalization of the Urban Enterprise Zone program to stimulate growth in struggling communities.

Gopal is the Founder and President of a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Monmouth County charities and individuals in need. An active member of the community, he is a past Board Member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Monmouth County and has served as a volunteer EMT for the Colts Neck and Freehold First Aid squads.

About NewDEAL

The NewDEAL brings together leaders focused on expanding opportunity, helping them develop and spread innovative ideas to spur economic growth that is broadly-earned and sustainable. Most importantly, the organization facilitates the exchange of ideas among its members and connects them with other pro-growth progressive political, policy, and private sector leaders.

One of the organization’s signature events, the Ideas Summit, will take place May 29-30 in Seattle, WA, where about 30 Leaders will join other innovators from the public and private sectors to discuss the path forward on key issues on which progress is being threatened, including trade, climate change, and education. In addition to panels and breakouts sessions, speakers will include NewDEAL Honorary Co-chair U.S. Senator Mark Warner as well as entrepreneur and venture capitalist Nick Hanauer.

Today’s announcement brings the total number of NewDEAL members – statewide officials, legislators, mayors, councilmembers, and other local leaders – to 158 leaders from 46 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Learn more about Senator Gopal and the NewDEAL at  http://www.newdealleaders.org/leaders.

The new class of NewDEAL Leaders includes:

Dorcey Applyrs, City Councilmember, New York, NY
Adrian Fontes, County Recorder, Maricopa County, AZ

Vin Gopal, Senator, Monmouth County, NJ

Adam Gray, Assemblymember, Merced, California

Steven L. Reed, Probate Judge, Montgomery County, AL

Andy Schor, Mayor, Lansing, MI

Anne Sung, Independent School District Board Member, Houston, TX
Lovely Warren, Mayor, Rochester, NY
Randall L. Woodfin, Mayor, Birmingham, AL