U.S. Senate Democratic Leadership, 2009 to 2010

On November 20, 2008, Senate Democratic Majority Leader Harry Reid announced the Senate Democratic leadership team for the 111th Congress, which will serve from January 2009 to January 2001.

(Also read U.S. Senate Committee Chairs in the 111th Congress.)

In the 111th Congress, Reid will serve his third consecutive two-year term as Senate Democratic Leader, his second as Senate Majority Leader. For more about this smart, soft-spoken leader, see Profile of U.S. Senator Harry Reid of Nevada.

The remainder of Senate Democratic leadership for 2009-2011 will be:

• Sen. Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia, President Pro Temp
  "As President pro tempore, Senator Byrd will continue to provide the Democratic Caucus leadership and experience gained from a lifetime of public service."

• Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, Assistant Majority Leader
  "As Assistant Majority Leader, Senator Durbin will continue to serve as the Majority Leader's key aide on and off the floor, helping to lead the Democrats' fight to protect America and help working families get ahead."

• Sen. Charles E. Schumer of New York, Vice Chair of the Conference
  "The third-ranking member of the Democratic leadership, Senator Schumer will continue to oversee strategy and policy to keep and build support for Democratic values."

• Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, Secretary of the Conference
  "As Secretary of the Conference, Senator Murray will continue to play a critical role in helping shape and set the Democratic agenda."

• Sen. Byron L. Dorgan of North Dakota, Chairman of Policy Committee
  "Senator Dorgan will continue to provide strong leadership at the Democratic Policy Committee (DPC). Under Senator Dorgan, the DPC has been credited with conducting aggressive Congressional oversight and generating innovative policy ideas for the Democratic Caucus."

• Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, Chair of Steering and Outreach Committee
  "Senator Stabenow will continue to serve as Chair of the Steering and Outreach Committee. In her role as chair, Senator Stabenow will engage Democratic Senators and community leaders across the country in an active dialogue about the pressing issues facing our nation."

• Sen. Barbara Boxer of California, Chief Deputy Whip
  "As Chief Deputy Whip, Senator Boxer will continue to be responsible for managing and implementing Caucus efforts on the Senator floor. Working alongside the Democratic Leader and Assistant Democratic Leader, Boxer plays an instrumental role in articulating, advancing and achieving the objectives of the Democratic Caucus."

Serving as Deputy Whips, who will play critical roles in marshalling the Caucus’s forces, will be:

• Sen. Russ Feingold of Wisconsin
• Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida
• Sen. Tom Carper of Delaware