Rep. Rick Larsen Set to Become Top Democrat on House Transportation Committee

What happened: Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Wash.) was selected Dec. 15 by the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee to lead his party on the House Transportation & Infrastructure (T&I) Committee in the 118^th Congress. His likely ascension to the ranking Democrat on the committee follows the retirement of current T&I Chairman Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.). Larsen, who has served in Congress since 2001, is now running unopposed for the top position after Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), who has the most seniority of any Democrat on the committee, ended her campaign for the lead spot Dec. 19.

Why it matters: Larsen is a long-time supporter of investing in transportation infrastructure. Given his experience as chair of the House T&I Aviation Subcommittee, Larsen will be well-equipped to lead Democrats through the reauthorization of airport construction programs due next year.

What’s next: The House Democratic Caucus will formally vote on Larsen’s ascension later this week. Individual members of the committee will be selected and announced after the 118^th Congress is sworn in Jan. 3.