Rep. Linda Sanchez, D-Calif., has put her name in the running to head the House Democratic Caucus, according to an official announcement sent to every member of the Democratic Caucus on Tuesday.
“As a caucus we are all focused on securing an effective Democratic majority in the next term,” Sanchez, who currently serves as the Democratic Caucus’ vice-chair, said in her announcement. “If the American people instill their trust in House Democrats, we must show them that we are ready to lead on the first day. A new Congress gives us the opportunity to take a full assessment of what changes we need to make to ensure our success going forward. However, it is clear that if we wait until next year to have these discussions it will be too late. We must prepare now.”
The position became available after current Democratic Caucus chair Rep. Joe Crowley, D-N.Y., lost his primary race in June.
Crowley claimed in a statement Tuesday that Sanchez is an “extremely valuable part of the Democratic leadership team,” but stopped short of officially endorsing her.
“Linda Sanchez is a dear friend, a battle-tested member, and a fierce advocate for working families,” Crowley said. “As my partner in leading the House Democratic Caucus, Linda has helped expand the caucus’ outreach and services for our members and has been an insightful voice in developing strategy and messaging. She is an extremely valuable part of the Democratic leadership team and has a bright future in our caucus.”
{More: Joe Crowley: Whether Nancy Pelosi should be House speaker is up to ‘the next Congress’}
So far, Sanchez is the first candidate to officially announce running for the position, although Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., has signaled she will also run for the position. A woman has never been elected as chair of the Democratic Caucus.
“Leadership is about serving others, not serving yourself,” Sanchez said. “As Caucus Chair, I will continue to work collaboratively and inclusively to utilize the full range of talent on our team. I am committed to doing everything I can to put the Democratic Caucus in the strongest position as we fight to take back the majority and maintain it for years to come.”
