March 20, 2024 11:20 AM UTC

Joe Neguse is Now the Fourth-Highest Ranking Democrat in Congress

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• by: Colorado Pols

Colorado Rep. Joe Neguse (D-Boulderish) has officially ascended to the #4 position in Democratic leadership in Congress.

From a press release:

Today, Congressman Joe Neguse was elected to serve as the Assistant Democratic Leader in the United States House of Representatives. The 39-year-old Colorado lawmaker was elected to succeed Rep. Jim Clyburn in the role, which was previously held in the 117th Congress by now Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (2021-2023) and in the 116th Congress by then-Rep. (and current U.S. Senator) Ben Ray Lujan (2019-2021).

Rep. Neguse, who represents Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District, is only the second Coloradan in state history to serve as a senior member of House leadership, and is the highest ranking Colorado lawmaker in Congress since the 1930’s. [Pols emphasis] Congressman Neguse will continue to bring geographical diversity to the senior leadership table as the sole non-coastal lawmaker…

…“Congressman Joe Neguse has been a dedicated member of House Leadership, most recently as the Chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee, where he successfully led the messaging team for House Democrats. As Assistant Democratic Leader, he will be a critical partner in our efforts to move America forward, as he works to enhance House services and resources, amplify our work putting people over politics and provide valuable strategic assistance to our Caucus,” said Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

Neguse was unopposed in his effort to become Assistant Democratic Leader, marking another step in a rapid ascension for the third-term Congressman. Neguse was elected in December 2022 to serve as Chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee; three Democrats are now running to succeed Neguse for the coveted position of DPCC Chair.

Neguse was already the highest-ranking Member of Congress from Colorado since Rep. Edward T. Taylor of Glenwood Springs served as Democratic Caucus Chair from 1935-37.