You are more likely to see Suzan DelBene in a down jacket than dressed for battle. But that’s exactly what she is doing on the front lines of the hardscrabble fight for Congress.
As chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, she is playing a key role in recruiting and supporting Democrats to run for the House of Representatives. It’s going well, with most forecasts predicting Democrats will wrest control from the Republicans.
No doubt President Donald Trump’s broken promises are coming home to roost with voters. DelBene has fought against the war in Iran and criticized his crippling tariffs and disregard for the rule of law.
Her DCCC leadership is not why The Times editorial board is endorsing her for reelection to the seat she was held since 2012. The 1st Congressional District runs from Redmond to Arlington, encompassing high-tech, manufacturing and agriculture industries.
As a warrior, DelBene has a lot of arrows in her quiver.
Before running for Congress, she ran the state’s Department of Revenue, which comes in handy in her role on the House Ways and Means Oversight Committee.
“I will help lead a Democratic majority in holding this administration accountable and provide transparency to the American people,” she has said. The Democrats will reassert Congress’ constitutional authority, something that has been ceded under Republican control.
The former Microsoft executive’s skill set is particularly important now if a newly comprised House can tackle the challenges around potential artificial intelligence regulation and related issues around water, electricity and data centers.
And, importantly, as Congress gets its groove back, she has a record of seeking solutions by working with other moderates to make government work. She is a chair emerita of the New Democrat Coalition.
That’s what Congress needs more than ever: skilled, resolute and assertive members who hew to high standards and are willing to search for solutions for all Americans.
