(Colorado Newsline) Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives elected a Colorado congressman to senior leadership Wednesday. 

U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse, of Lafayette, is now the assistant minority leader in the House following an uncontested run. He is only the second Colorado lawmaker to serve in senior leadership, and he’s now the highest ranking Colorado lawmaker since the 1930s, according to a press release from Neguse’s office. 

The position is the fourth highest-ranking in Democratic leadership.

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“As a proud Westerner, I’m committed to ensuring that the people of Colorado and throughout the Rocky Mountain West have a seat at the table, and will work in my new role to ensure the voices of folks across our country and from every corner of the Democratic Caucus are elevated, included, and heard,” Neguse, 39, said in a statement. 

In his new role, Neguse hopes to modernize professional development opportunities, launch a one-stop-shop for district and state data and other materials, and enhance orientation programs for new members of Congress, he said.

Neguse is in his third term in Congress representing Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District, which is anchored in Boulder, stretching west along the Interstate 70 corridor and north to include Fort Collins. After being elected in 2018 he succeeded then-Rep. Jared Polis, who is now Colorado governor.

Polis congratulated Neguse on the promotion. 

“Congressman Neguse has committed his life to public service and helped move Colorado and our country forward, whether it’s helping create new jobs in the region, expanding broadband access or fighting to protect our public lands and more,” Polis said in a statement. “Joe’s leadership has already made a positive impact on our state and nation and in this new leadership position in Congress he will be able to deliver even more for Colorado.” 

Neguse announced his bid for assistant leader in February after South Carolina’s Jim Clyburn decided to step down to create opportunity for new leadership. Clyburn was the last remaining Democratic leader who served under former Speaker Nancy Pelosi. 

Prior to becoming assistant minority leader, Neguse chaired the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee. 

Republicans currently hold a majority in the House.

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