New Leftist Lawmakers Gather on Capitol Steps for Group Photos
A dozen newly elected Democratic representatives posed for informal portraits during orientation week, a group journalists have termed “The Bloc.”
By Yuki Melnyk ·
A cluster of newly elected Democratic lawmakers gathered on the steps of the U.S. Capitol Building on Thursday to pose for group portraits, an event that observers described as resembling a yearbook photo session. The gathering took place during a break from the 10-day orientation course currently underway in Washington.
The group, which political journalists have referred to as “The Bloc” since at least September, includes representatives from across the country. Among the lawmakers who huddled together were Darializa Avila Chevalier, Claire Valdez, and Brad Lander from New York. Other members of the informal coalition included Melat Kiros from Colorado, Adam Hamawy from New Jersey, Donavan McKinney from Michigan, Daniel Biss and Patty Garcia from Illinois, Dan Koh from Massachusetts, Chris Rabb from Pennsylvania, Angela Gonzales-Torres from California, and Frederick Haynes III from Texas.
Analilia Mejía, a New Jersey representative and former campaign aide to Senator Bernie Sanders, stood in the center of the group. She was wearing a bright blue dress during the photo shoot. The group is distinct from the earlier “Squad” coalition, which is associated with representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rashida Tlaib. The “Bloc” label references the group’s history of coordinating strategy and supporting one another politically since the primary elections.
A progressive operative told Politico in September that the members are moving as a unit. “They’re moving as a bloc,” the operative said. The group represents a small portion of the more than 70 new Democrats elected in the midterm cycle.
Following the photos, several members shared images on social media. Dan Koh posted a picture on Facebook, noting, “A freshman class that looks like America.” Donavan McKinney uploaded photos to Instagram with the caption “Freshman Class Picture Day,” paired with the song “Photo Shoot” by Gucci Mane. Angela Gonzales-Torres, a Democrat backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, wrote on Instagram, “It’s going to take all of us, from New Jersey and New York to Bakersfield and Los Angeles to help build a brighter future.” She added, “When people unite behind a purpose, there are no limits,” using music by Ice Cube for the post.
More than 100 incoming members of Congress arrived in Washington this week to begin the mandatory training on federal office procedures.
