How to Build the Democratic Talent Pipeline with Zach Wahls and Debbie Cox Bultan

This week, The NewDEAL and The Next50 announced a partnership that will build a robust pipeline of center-left talent by combining The Next 50’s electoral backing and campaign tools with the network, policy, and skills support that the NewDEAL provides. The goal is to round out a cycle of support for leaders who can win tough elections, deliver results while in office, and be the Democratic messengers who connect effectively with the broad majority of Americans. CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with NewDEAL Leader and Iowa State Senator Zach Wahls – who joins us today as Executive Director of The Next50. They share the back stories of the NewDEAL and The Next50, how they support candidates and elected leaders, and  the new partnership between the organizations. They also discuss why it's so important to have young people serving in elected office, what we can learn from NewDEAL and The Next50 leaders about winning swing districts, and why building community is crucial to developing effective leaders. Tune in to learn more about how the NewDEAL and The Next50 are advancing the next generation of Democratic leaders.

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• [01:05] An introduction to Senator Wahls and The New Deal’s partnership with The Next 50.

• [02:00] The philosophy behind The Next 50 and the work it continues to do today.

• [06:04] Three distinct phases of political life: campaigning, governing, and home life.

• [08:09] Criteria that guide Senator Wahls in choosing which leaders to endorse.

• [12:40] Why taking a pragmatic approach to governance resonates in competitive states.

• [15:20] Insight into the shared aim of The New Deal and The Next 50 to improve the visibility of great elected officials.

• [18:53] Conversations around the high stakes of government in 2025.

• [22:36] Learning from the urgency and speed with which the DOGE administration has acted.

• [25:20] How a variety of lived experiences can bring important perspectives to government.

• [29:30] Support provided for young leaders by The New Deal and The Next 50.