House Democrats are watching an internal leadership contest take shape, with two prominent members positioning themselves for a key caucus role.
Reps. Sara Jacobs of California and Lauren Underwood of Illinois are both expected to seek the Democratic Caucus vice chair post in what is shaping up to be a competitive race.
“A fierce internal battle is developing among House Democrats for a job that might not even be open next Congress,” according to reporting from Politico.
The vice chair position is currently held by Rep. Ted Lieu of California, who is only expected to step aside if Democrats win control of the House in the midterms.
If Democrats prevail, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries would ascend to the speakership, triggering a reshuffling of leadership posts one rung down the ladder.
That prospect has prompted Jacobs and Underwood to begin maneuvering early for a slot that carries real influence within the caucus’s internal operations.
The Democratic Caucus Vice Chair assists the caucus chairman and helps set the agenda for weekly caucus meetings, as well as presiding over other official party activities.
Both the caucus chairman and vice chair are elected by all Democratic House members before the start of each new Congress, making the vote a broad referendum on standing within the party.
Jacobs, who represents California’s 51st congressional district, was named Parliamentarian of the Steering and Policy Committee by Leader Jeffries in January 2026, positioning her as one of the youngest members of House Democratic leadership.
Underwood, who represents Illinois’ 14th congressional district, currently serves as Co-Chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee, a role she was re-elected to for the 119th Congress.
Underwood holds a notable distinction in her current leadership role, being the first Black woman elected by her colleagues to House leadership since Rep. Shirley Chisholm was elected in 1977.
She is also the only Black woman currently elected to congressional leadership in either chamber of Congress, lending her campaign for the vice chair post significant historical weight.
The race reflects broader ambitions within the Democratic caucus as members look ahead to a midterm environment that could dramatically reshape the House’s balance of power.
Whether the vice chair post actually opens up depends entirely on the November election results, meaning both candidates are campaigning for a position that remains contingent on Democratic success at the polls.
