For Immediate Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Next 50, the leading organization investing in next generation Democrats under 50 in battlegrounds across the country, today announced its endorsement of Congresswoman Marie Glusenkamp Perez and Congressman Gabe Vasquez for re-election, as well as Rebecca Bennett for the U.S. House of Representatives in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District and Christina Hines for the U.S. House of Representatives in Michigan’s 10th Congressional District.

“The Next 50 is proud to endorse Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, Gabe Vasquez, Rebecca Bennett, and Christina Hines—four principled, pragmatic, energetic, and focused leaders who are fighting for working families, not Washington insiders,” said Mari Manoogian, Executive Director of The Next 50. “Marie and Gabe have proven they can win the toughest races in America by staying laser-focused on what matters to their constituents — lowering costs, creating good jobs, and delivering real results. Rebecca and Christina represent the new generation of leadership Democrats need: veterans, prosecutors, and parents who understand the challenges working families face every day and we’re proud to invest in their campaigns.”

“I am honored to once again have earned The Next 50’s endorsement as I fight for a New Mexico where working people don’t have to struggle to make ends meet, people feel safe in their communities, and our public lands are protected for future generations,” said Congressman Gabe Vasquez. “At a time where everyone in Washington is playing politics and yelling over one another, I remain focused and willing to work with anyone that will help me deliver for my district. That’s what I am about and why The Next 50’s endorsed candidates are paving the way nationwide.”

“I’m running for Congress because I believe we need a new generation of leadership in Washington,” said Rebecca Bennett. “I’m honored to be endorsed by Next 50, and I look forward to working with them as we run a race laser focused on the cost of living crisis we face in America today.”

“I’m so excited to have the support of The Next 50 and be part of the next generation of leaders building a brighter future for everyone,” said Christina Hines. “Right now, too many people in Congress are out of touch with the day to day lives of working families in our country. As a young mom of 3 living in the same community I grew up in, I’m deeply connected to the hopes and struggles my neighbors face every day. I’m looking forward to working alongside The Next 50 as we fight to hold Washington accountable and to ensure the next generation has the same rights, freedoms, and opportunities (or more!) than we had growing up.”

About Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez

Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez represents Washington’s 3rd Congressional District. Marie is a fifth-generation Washingtonian who built an independent auto repair shop with her husband from the ground up. After learning how difficult it is for small business owners in the trades to get a mortgage, they decided to build their own house in rural Skamania county. And when they couldn’t find childcare near their home, they had to take their young son to work with them.

Marie’s experience reflects the reality of so many working Americans—yet it’s a rarity in Congress. In DC, Marie is focused on what working people want—good jobs that don’t require a college degree, lower costs for essentials like medications and gas, and a fair shot at home ownership. In 2022, she flipped this traditionally red district and won reelection in 2024 by one of the nation’s tightest margins.

The Cook Political Report already has this race classified as a “Toss Up,” and the GOP is going to work hard to flip this seat and expand their narrow House majority. We must ensure Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez has the resources necessary to once again win WA-03.

About Congressman Gabe Vasquez

Gabe is a first-generation American who grew up in the borderlands and saw his mother work hard every day to support his family. She showed him the value of hard work and the struggle that it takes to achieve the American Dream. As the first in his family to be born in the United States, he’s made the most of his opportunity and has worked hard to make a positive difference in his community and in the lives of others. As a member of Congress, Gabe Vasquez has fought relentlessly to support and improve local public safety, protect healthcare, and stop the sell off of public lands.

About Rebecca Bennett

A former U.S. Navy helicopter pilot, officer in the Air National Guard, business leader in healthcare, and mom of two – Rebecca Bennett has always valued service.

Rebecca served in the Navy for over a decade as a helicopter pilot and aircraft commander. While in the service, she earned her M.B.A., with honors, from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business, and started her family. Now she is a recognized business leader, working with mission-driven startups to advance healthcare opportunities for all Americans.

After serving her country for over fifteen years in the military and making waves in healthcare innovation, Rebecca is running for Congress to build a better future for our community. As a parent working full-time, Rebecca understands first-hand the challenges of balancing work & family while navigating inflation and the rising cost of living.

So Rebecca is stepping up to bring a new kind of leadership to Washington. She’s not interested in scoring political points—she simply wants to make the country a better place for her family and yours.

About Christina Hines

Christina Hines is running for U.S. Congress to represent her hometown. She grew up in Macomb County and graduated from the University of Michigan, then received her law degree from Wayne State University. She and her husband David chose her hometown of Warren when deciding where to live and raise their three children.

Christina worked as Chief of the Special Victims Unit and Chief of Appeals in the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s office and started the county’s restorative justice program. Throughout her career, Christina has prosecuted hate crimes, cold case sexual assaults, homicide, torture, and human trafficking cases, from district courts to the Michigan Supreme Court. Christina has earned recognition as a Notable Woman in Law by Crain’s Detroit Business and a Future Leader by the Detroit Regional Chamber.

Now, Christina is running for Congress in one of the most competitive districts in the country because everyday families in Michigan deserve someone from their community who will advocate for them. As a mom, a prosecutor, and a lifelong Macomb County resident, Christina is ready to fight to make life more affordable, protect our children and secure the resources and education they need to thrive, and fiercely defend our freedoms.

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ABOUT THE NEXT 50

The Next 50 was founded in 2019 to build the infrastructure needed for long-term Democratic success by deliberately investing in next-generation leadership. Since its founding, The Next 50 has supported nearly 100 candidates across the country, achieving a nation-leading win rate of 70% in the 2023-24 cycle. The organization develops leaders’ capabilities while building their political and fundraising networks, ensuring the Democratic Party’s bench is stacked with talented communicators and skilled political operators.

Support our work at thenext50.us