LOS ANGELES (CNS) — Rep. Linda Sanchez, whose 38th Congressional District includes large parts of southeastern Los Angeles County, became the first Latina to achieve a congressional leadership position today when her colleagues narrowly voted to make her vice chair of the House DemocraticCaucus.
Sanchez, 47, won the post by a vote of 98 to 96 over California Rep. Barbara Lee, who represents part of the Bay area. It is is the fifth leading position in the House Democratic leadership.
“I am honored to have the confidence and support of my colleagues,” Sanchez said. “… Every day I will do everything I can to strengthen our Democratic Caucus and put us in the strongest position.”
Sanchez has served in Congress since 2003 and also heads the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Her sister, Orange County congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, lost to California Attorney General Kamala Harris in the recent U.S. Senate election.
Democrats also re-elected San Francisco Rep. Nancy Pelosi to be the House Minority Leader.