GANGING UP

Haley Stevens

It’s good to have friends when you’re in a new place. And newbie Congresswomen Haley Stevens (D-Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, western Oakland, part of western Wayne County) and Elissa Slotkin (D-Rochester, Rochester Hills, north Oakland, part of Livingston and Ingham counties) quickly found spots at lunch room tables. According to Politico, Slotkin became part of a “Gang of 9,” a group of freshmen Democrats who bonded over their shared military service and more moderate politics. Each of the “gang members,” including Rep. Gil Cisneros (D-CA), Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-NJ) and Rep. Max Rose (D-NY), also won in districts that had previously been held by Republicans. Stevens is part of a coterie considered “The Big Six,” which, just like in high school, are the high achievers and class presidents – Stevens is co-president of the freshman class of legislators, along with co-Big Sixer Rep. Colin Allred (D-TX). Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-OH), another member of the clique, told Politico, “This is not like ‘Mean Girls’ – we’re not all trying to be homecoming queen.” Stevens said while the broader freshman class is united, “I think people are finding their friends in Congress. We’re all in this together.”