As Whip, Rep. Katherine Clark Would Be No. 2 Ranking Democrat

CAMBRIDGE, MA — Democratic U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark will likely continue to be a top party leader in the House, formally announcing Friday morning her bid to become the chamber's minority whip.

Clark, whose 5th Congressional District covers most of Middlesex County east to Southborough and parts of Suffolk County, served as the assistant speaker under U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi until the Republicans took control of the House Tuesday. If elected as whip, she would move from the No. 4 leadership spot to No. 2.

"Americans have rejected Republican extremism and affirmed our commitment to working people. By standing with women, for democracy, and for everyone’s economic security, we have defied expectations and secured a historically close margin in the House," Clark said in a letter to Democratic colleagues. "Now, we must be tough, agile, and united to stop the Republican House Majority’s dangerous agenda and take back the House."

At age 59, Clark's position in leadership would lower the overall age of Democratic leadership. Outgoing speaker Nancy Pelosi is 82, and outgoing majority whip U.S. Rep. James Clyburn is also 82.

Presumptive Democratic minority leader U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-Brooklyn, is 52, and presumptive caucus chair U.S. Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-San Bernardino, is 43.

As whip, Clark would be in charge of counting and maintaining Democratic votes.

Clark was reelected after the Nov. 8 election with about 74 percent of the vote against Republican challenger Caroline Colarusso. Elections for House leadership posts will happen before the end of November.