Rep. Diana DeGette announced Wednesday that she will challenge Rep. Jim Clyburn for the position of majority whip, Roll Call reported.
“Our return to the majority was powered by women voters across the country, and we need to repay their trust by adding women to Democrats’ leadership team,” DeGette said, according to CBSDenver.
The Colorado Democrat added in a letter to her colleagues that, “Eighteen years ago, our caucus voted to elevate a woman to the top levels of leadership, and it is past time for us to do so again - I would be only the second woman to hold this post.
“I would also be the first Whip from the Mountain West, and our path to a lasting majority must include broadening the caucus’ geographic appeal," she added.
DeGette said her experience as chief deputy whip over the past seven Congresses provides evidence of her “track record as an effective strategist, precise vote counter, and experienced, bipartisan negotiator.”
She easily won re-election on Tuesday in her district with more than two-thirds of the vote, The Colorado Sun reported.
Clyburn, from South Carolina and the highest-ranking black member of Congress, has made clear he will seek to keep his current job.
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.