Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO) is dropping his bid for Democratic Caucus chairman, heading off a fight over House Democrats’ No. 3 post by leaving it open for Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-CA).
Neguse said in a Monday letter to colleagues that he would instead run for chairman of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee, the messaging arm of House Democrats, where he previously served as co-chairman. Aguilar was endorsed by the outgoing leadership class that is stepping down with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA).
‘A NEW DAY IS DAWNING’: PELOSI ENDORSES TRIO OF HOUSE DEMOCRATS FOR LEADERSHIP
“I want to thank each of you for the many thoughtful conversations about my bid for Caucus Chair of the past few months,” Neguse wrote. “However I believe that the best way for me to serve, if given the opportunity by our Caucus, would be to continue my work with the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee. Therefore, as the Caucus considers the recently proposed rules change to create a Chair of the DPCC I respectfully request your support for DPCC Chair.”
NEW – Rep. Joe Neguse is dropping his bid for Dem Caucus Chair and will instead run to be chair of the DPCC, House Dems’ messaging arm, per letter to colleagues pic.twitter.com/LWmYFtCicN
— Nicholas Wu (@nicholaswu12) November 21, 2022
Aguilar is the current vice chairman of the House Democratic Caucus and received endorsements from Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-SC), along with Pelosi. Aguilar launched his bid Friday, as did Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) for minority leader and Rep. Katherine Clark (D-MA) for minority whip. Neguse backing out leaves all three unopposed in the leadership elections on Nov. 30.
House Democrats have warded off leadership battles for any of the top positions. Progressive Caucus Chairwoman Pramila Jayapal, who was reportedly eyeing the No. 2 whip position, said last week she would again seek election in her current position. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) also dropped his bid for leader as he gears up for a possible Senate campaign.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Democrats will become the minority party when the new Congress takes over in January after Republicans emerged from the midterm elections with a small majority in the lower chamber. The precise size of the majority is yet to be determined by several outstanding races in California.
