CPSA Announces New Board Amid Unprecedented Assault on our Democracy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 27, 2025

Media Contact:

Michael Suchecki, CPSA Communications Director
ProgressiveStaffers@gmail.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On October 1, the Congressional Progressive Staff Association (CPSA) swore in its 2025–2026 Board of Officers and reaffirmed a simple promise: we will work to reshape Congress to better reflect the dignity, diversity, and power of We the People.

At this unprecedented moment for our democracy, CPSA’s role is more important than ever. When those in power try to restrict the public square, we widen our circle. When they suppress dissent, we raise our voices. When they seek to divide us, we lock arms and march forward, together. Let us be clear: this administration and its allies are working to censor our freedom of speech, police our right to protest, terrorize diverse communities, and punish their political opponents. They want to scare people into silence — especially our public servants. We refuse to let them.

Our plan to fight back? We build community that uplifts, solidarity that protects, and change that delivers. This is how we keep doors open to new voices, new ideas, and new ways to create a more representative Congress for everyone.

Progress has never come from silence, and no movement has caught fire without a spark. Join us in lighting the match.

Meet CPSA’s new Board of Officers:

• Administrative and Events Director: Syd Johnson

  Syd Johnson (they/them) is the Caucus Aide for the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Previously serving as the Outreach Director, they are very excited to continue serving CPSA in a new role. As Administrative and Events Director, Syd is excited to bring a new level of creativity and community to progressive staffers. 

• Communications Director: Michael Suchecki

  Michael Suchecki (he/him) is a Massachusetts native currently serving as Creative Director for Congressman Greg Stanton. He is thrilled to be returning as CPSA's Communications Director to help expand the staff association's reach, advance its progressive policy agenda, and defend our hard-won rights and freedoms nationwide.

• Education Director: Claire Kaufman

  Claire Kaufman (she/her) is proud to serve as CPSA Education Director and help empower progressive staff through collective education. A long-time climate advocate and activist, she has had the privilege of advising Senator Markey on energy policy over the past two years. Prior to the Hill, she spent five years in Arizona working on energy and environment issues and supporting immigration justice efforts. Originally from Los Angeles, Claire holds a degree in Environmental Economics and Policy from UC Berkeley and a Master of Public Affairs from Princeton University. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, yoga, and anything outside.

• Finance Director: Diego Jauregui

  Diego Jauregui (he/him) serves in the office of Congresswoman Maxine Waters. He previously served as CPSA’s Digital Director, strengthening communications and organizing community events, and currently manages the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association’s finances as Treasurer. He is excited to bring this experience to his new role as Finance Director, with the goal of growing and supporting our progressive community on the Hill.

• Membership Director: Sam Elghanayan

  Sam Elghanayan (she/her) covers economics, climate, foreign policy, immigration, and housing policy for Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17). As an organizer on progressive campaigns and a steward for her office’s union, she believes in the power of building relationships and trust among staffers. Sam is excited to help strengthen community and connections across the Hill as CPSA’s Membership Director.

• Outreach Director: Julian Fraser

  Born in Brooklyn and raised in South Georgia as a first-gen Grenadian American, Julian Fraser (he/him) serves as a Legislative Assistant for Congressman David Scott’s office. He looks forward to working with other Board members to advocate equity on the behalf of staff, build coalitions, and embolden progressive voices on the Hill.

• Policy Director: Thatcher Townsend

  Thatcher Townsend (he/him) is a North Carolina native serving as a Legislative Correspondent/Aide for Congresswoman Alma Adams. He hopes to pursue a policy agenda elevating the concerns of workers and marginalized communities, advocate for the rights of all workers on Capitol Hill, and expand CPSA’s ties to progressive movements throughout the DMV as a partner in their fights against corporate and authoritarian overreach.

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CPSA was formed in 2021 to uplift the voices and experiences of progressive staff. We believe by educating people on the issues impacting staff and advocating for structural reform, we can inspire meaningful change for congressional employees across the country. With over 1,500 members, CPSA is the largest staff association on Capitol Hill and is growing every day.