Steve Israel

Steve Israel served in the House of Representatives from 2001 to 2017, dedicating sixteen years to public service, including six as the Democrats' chief political and message strategist. President Bill Clinton described him as "one of the most thoughtful Members of the House of Representatives." Today, Israel is recognized not only for his political insights but also as an accomplished author and political commentator for CNN.

His perspectives on political and defense strategies are informed by his tenure on both the House Armed Services Committee and the Appropriations Defense Subcommittee. Israel's expertise was further recognized during his lectures at respected institutions such as West Point and the National Defense University, and in his role as commencement speaker at the Naval War College. His contributions to discussions on national security, specifically the nature of future conflicts, continue to be valued, highlighted by his leadership in the Democratic Study Group on National Security and his involvement in the National Intelligence Council’s forecast of global trends for incoming Presidents.

In addition to his political career, Israel has authored the comic novel "Big Guns," and his writings frequently appear in respected publications including the New York Times, Washington Post, and Atlantic Monthly. As a commentator, his analyses are regularly featured across various media platforms including HBO, MSNBC, and FOXNews. His deep understanding of political dynamics is evident from his successful tenure as chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, orchestrating strategies for competitive House campaigns. A steadfast advocate for the middle class and clean energy initiatives, Israel has consistently pushed for impactful legislation and reforms. His commitment to bipartisan solutions was embodied in the creation of the House Center Aisle Caucus, fostering cooperation across party lines.

Israel's literary talents have also been recognized with his first novel, "The Global War on Morris," published by Simon & Schuster in 2015, receiving acclaim and subsequently optioned for television development. His blend of political satire and earnest commentary continues to engage and influence a broad audience, making him a respected voice in both literary and political circles.