Congressional Progressive Caucus Center Announces Liz Watson as New Executive Director

For Immediate Release: January 7th, 2019
Contact: Preethi Raghavan, preethi.raghavan@progressivecaucuscenter.org

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the Congressional Progressive Caucus Center (CPCC) announced Liz Watson as its new Executive Director.

Launched in October, the Congressional Progressive Caucus Center (CPCC) will leverage the power of the progressive movement by creating critically needed infrastructure within the progressive community.  The CPCC will convene different progressive stakeholders to advance cutting-edge, independent policy analysis and most importantly, work to realize the enactment of progressive policies - which are overwhelmingly supported by the American people.

Liz Watson brings to the CPCC nearly two decades of experience in the progressive movement.  She previously served as the Labor Policy Director for the House Education and the Workforce Committee Democrats, the Executive Director of the Georgetown Center on Poverty, Inequality, and Public Policy, and the Director of Workplace Justice at the National Women's Law Center.  In 2018, she was the Democratic nominee for Congress in Indiana’s Ninth Congressional District, with overwhelming support from organized labor and progressive groups. Throughout her career, Liz has fought for living wages, predictable scheduling, the right to organize, a strong safety net, civil rights, and women’s rights.  Liz brings deep experience crafting policy, building coalitions, and moving progressive ideas forward. She is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center and Carleton College.

“As a leading advocate for women's rights and workers' rights, as a senior staff member on Capitol Hill, and as a candidate who ran a stunning grassroots congressional campaign, Liz Watson has proven to be one of the most talented and effective progressive leaders,” said Robert Borosage, President of the Board of Directors of the Congressional Progressive Caucus Center.  “Progressive ideas and movements are now on the rise.  Under the leadership of Liz Watson, I am confident that the CPCC will be able to marshal the full intellectual firepower and grassroots energy of the progressive movement to advance a bold progressive agenda for the country.”

“In November, Americans sent a strong message that they want to see bold, visionary action from their leaders in Washington when they elected dozens of progressive candidates across the country.  With the Congressional Progressive Caucus set to grow to more than 90 members, we’re ready to enact policies like Medicare for All and College Without Debt, while also fighting to strengthen workers’ rights, address climate change, and much more,” said Rep. Mark Pocan, Co-Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and Board Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus Center.  “With Liz Watson as Executive Director of the CPCC, I’m confident that the organization will serve as a strong partner in creating change as it works with outside partners to leverage the power of millions of grassroots supporters.  Together, we can build a country that works for all, not just those at the top.”

"The progressive movement has never been stronger, and the Congressional Progressive Caucus of the 116th Congress is ready to translate that power into real wins for working people, women, immigrants, those living in poverty and the most marginalized,” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Co-Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and Board Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus Center.  “Liz Watson's nearly two decades of experience in the progressive movement will be an immense asset to the CPCC as it fights for real progressive change across the country.  Her experience and leadership will be critical to advancing a visionary progressive agenda in Washington and across our country in hopes of creating a fairer and more just country.”

“The 2018 election showed that the progressive agenda is a winning agenda.  With nearly 100 Congressional Progressive Caucus members in the House, we have an unprecedented opportunity to make the change America needs.  With the visionary leadership of Congresswoman Jayapal and Congressman Pocan, CPC members are building a powerful movement for Medicare for All, labor law reform, comprehensive immigration reform, and so much more,” said Liz Watson.  “Across the country, progressives have stepped up at this turning point in our nation's history to bring an end to corporate greed, fear-mongering, and corruption in Washington.  I am honored to lead the effort to bring together grassroots support and promote the best ideas in the progressive movement. Our voices will be critical to passing progressive legislation in this Congress. Together we are building a people-powered progressive movement to make government work for all of us, and not just the wealthy few.”