Becerra Takes Rare Tack in Caucus Race
Roll Call Staff
Anticipating a takeover of the House majority following the November elections, more than a few Democratic lawmakers have set their sights on leadership posts. But among them, Rep. Xavier Becerra (Calif.) is unique: He’s actively campaigning for a promotion.
“I’m focused on ... trying to earn people’s support for the position,” Becerra said, discussing his late-July announcement that he would seek the vice chairmanship of the Democratic Caucus in the 110th Congress.
Becerra’s acknowledgement remains unusual at a time when many Democrats remain quiet about their ambitions — some out of a superstitious concern for the November results — neither confirming nor denying their desires to move into leadership.
“It’s very difficult,” Becerra said of his decision to go forward with a campaign, albeit an understated one. “It’s kind of awkward, but I think it’s essential.”
Prior to the August recess, Becerra won a formal endorsement from his fellow Hispanic Democrats to seek the post. (They did not issue the endorsement as the Congressional Hispanic Caucus because the group cannot use official House resources for partisan activities.)
“We want to have leadership that really is diverse,” Becerra said, adding of his decision to seek the early endorsement: “I knew it would be important to develop bases of support.”
But Becerra is quick to note his campaign could dissipate without a Democratic victory. He said he will not challenge current Vice Chairman John Larson (Conn.), who won a three-way race for the post earlier this year.
“I wanted to be respectful of the mission of the Caucus,” he said Thursday in reference to November. “This isn’t a race unless we win.”
In a Democratically controlled House, the party would gain the Speakership, creating the opportunity for each current leader to advance one step in the Caucus hierarchy.
Under such a scenario, Larson would be expected to seek the Caucus chairmanship shortly after the November elections, prompting Becerra’s competitors to come into the open.
Among the likely contenders is Rep. Hilda Solis (Calif.), a fellow Congressional Hispanic Caucus member who competed with Becerra for the endorsement of the Democratic Caucus’ Hispanic contingent over the summer.
Solis, who has raised nearly $105,000 for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee this cycle, demurred when asked about a potential candidacy, stating: “It’s too soon.”
In another separation from Solis, Becerra has outperformed her on behalf of the DCCC, raising $502,000 for committee this cycle in addition to submitting his $150,000 in required dues.
Although not considered likely a development, Rep. Jan Schakowsky (Ill.), who lost to Larson earlier this year, could mount another campaign for the post.
The Illinois lawmaker, who declined to discuss the race last week, is an avid fundraiser for the DCCC, raising nearly $1.9 million this cycle. She has given $230,000 in dues, shy of the $250,000 required for Deputy Minority Whips.
Rep. Joe Crowley (N.Y.) — who survived the first ballot in that three-way race before falling short against Larson — remains a more likely contender.
But the New York lawmaker, who recently became boss of the Queen County Democratic organization, also may be among the handful of Members with their sights on heading the DCCC in the next cycle.
Crowley has raised more than $6.4 million for the DCCC this cycle, although at mid-September he had submitted only $185,000 in dues, short of the $250,000 level required for his role as a Deputy Minority Whip.
Crowley demurred Thursday when asked about his interest in either post, stating: “I’ll address those issues once we win back the House.”
In recent weeks, DCCC Chairman Rahm Emanuel has declined to discuss his ambitions beyond the November elections, but the Illinois lawmaker has previously indicated that he does not intend to remain at the campaign committee.
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