Democrats Confirm Leader to Replace Dean Phillips on Key House Committee

House Democrats have chosen their replacement as co-chair of the party's Policy and Communications Committee after Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) stepped down to pursue a run for president.

Rep. Lori Trahan (D-MA) was selected as the new co-chair on Wednesday, defeating Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) as the other nominee for the spot.

Democrats choose replacement for Dean Phillips’s House leadership position https://t.co/4DeVnMsibm https://t.co/4DeVnMsibm

— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) November 29, 2023

“More than anything, I'm humbled by the trust that my colleagues have placed in me to help lead the House Policy Communications Committee,” Trahan told reporters on Wednesday.

“I ran for this position because I want to do everything in my power to defeat Republican extremism, retake the House, and return the American people to the center of everything that we do.”

House Democrats on Wednesday elected Rep. Lori Trahan to join their official messaging arm, a seat that opened up last month when Rep. Dean Phillips stepped down from party leadership to challenge President Biden in the 2024 primary. https://t.co/ywkoTiegkL

— The Hill (@thehill) November 29, 2023

"Trahan, 50, has a long history in Congress, having previously served as chief of staff to former Rep. Marty Meehan (D-Mass.) before joining the private sector as a consultant," the Hill reported.

"In 2018, she ran successfully to replace retiring Rep. Niki Tsongas (D) in Massachusetts’ 3rd Congressional District, which borders New Hampshire to the northwest of Boston. She made history in the process, becoming the first Portuguese American woman ever to serve in Congress," it continued.

The key committee role comes ahead of a presidential year key for Democrats also running in the House.

Trahan's messaging is expected to continue to support President Joe Biden's policies while highlighting the work of Democrats and attacking Republican contenders.

Republicans currently hold a slight majority in the House after the 2022 midterms, offering a tense battle for both parties seeking to lead the chamber after next year.

Trahan will also be working to secure another term for herself in her state, adding to the importance of her work with Democrats in Massachusetts.