Congratulations to Congresswoman Katherine Clark who won election yesterday to Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, besting Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA) 144 to 90. She becomes #6 in House leadership, the second-highest ranking woman behind Speaker nominee Nancy Pelosi and the first Massachusetts woman elected to House leadership. Her statement follows:
“I am incredibly grateful for the support of my colleagues and am honored to have the opportunity to work on their behalf as Vice-Chair of the Democratic Caucus.
Earlier this month, the American people sent a clear message to Washington by electing a Democratic majority and the most diverse Congress in our nations history. Voters rejected the divisive rhetoric and policies that marked the 115th Congress and instead were energized by the Democratic promise of a more productive, inclusive, and fair America. Our message was simple : the Democrats are fighting for you.
Today, we took another step forward by electing a leadership team that similarly reflects the American people and their vision for our democracy. With Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer, Majority Whip Clyburn, Assistant Democratic Leader Lujan, Caucus Chair Jeffries, and the rest of the leadership team, House Democrats are ready to move an agenda forward that puts the needs of the American people first.
As Vice Chair, I am eager to get to work on the promises we made like getting corruption out of politics, protecting Social Security and Medicare, improving access to affordable, quality healthcare, and ensuring equal pay for equal work.
I can’t wait to see what progress we will make together on behalf of the American people. Let’s get to work.”
Well done, Katherine. You did the Bay State and America proud!
Katherine Clark on being elected Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus : “It is truly an honor to be elected by your colleagues. Pete Aguilar is a friend and someone I admire a great deal, so I am relieved to have the race over. It’s never fun to run against someone you admire so much.” NOTE : Clark is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and Aguilar is a member of the moderate New Democrat Coalition. This is a good example of how you build a big tent winning coalition for 2020. You can take strong positions on the issues without offending those who disagree with you.
Congratulations to Rep. Clark.
Unfortunately Barbara Lee lost. Having her in leadership was one of the most promising prospects of this election.
Barbara Lee (CA) ran for 5th ranking Caucus Chair and was bested by 48 year old Hakeem Jeffries (NY) 123 to 113.
Does the caucus vice-chair have a job description beyond chairing caucus meetings in the absence of the chair?
The Caucus Vice Chair’s job is to help shape the Democratic policy agenda and message.
The Vice Chair supports the Chair in their shared responsibility of convening meetings of the Democratic Caucus to facilitate discussion and collaboration between the Members and help communicate Leadership priorities.