Aguilar Bids for Majority Whip, Clark Eyes Leader

Two House Democrats launched bids for top leadership posts in letters to colleagues after the midterm elections.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Elections

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a simplified Capitol dome silhouette in deep red on cream, evoking House Democratic leadership races. — Rep. Pete Aguilar launched a bid for House Democratic majority whip, and Rep. Katherine Clark sought majority leader, in letters to colleagues after the midterm elections. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Rep. Pete Aguilar formally launched his bid for House Democratic majority whip in a letter to colleagues on Thursday, running for the No. 3 job unopposed. Rep. Katherine Clark separately asked House Democrats for their support to become majority leader in a letter the same day.

Why it matters

If elected, Aguilar would be the first Latino majority whip in American history, and Clark would be the first woman to hold the majority leader role. The moves set up Democratic leadership positions as the party plans its next steps following the midterm elections.

Aguilar is running unopposed for majority whip, while Clark, 63, seeks majority leader. Neither leadership vote outcome has been decided, and the source does not specify when the caucus will vote.

The players

Pete Aguilar

A Democratic congressman from California who serves as caucus chairman and is seeking the majority whip position.

Katherine Clark

A Democratic congressman from Massachusetts who is seeking to become House majority leader.

The details

Aguilar, who currently serves as caucus chairman in the minority, sent a letter to colleagues on Thursday launching his bid. Clark sent her own letter the same day asking for support, and both moves came as Tuesday's midterm results were being digested.

Thursday: Aguilar and Clark sent their leadership letters to House Democratic colleagues.
Tuesday night: Midterm election results were released.

Political Context

Clark's bid would make her the first woman to hold the majority leader post, a role Nancy Pelosi reached in 2002 as the first woman to lead a major party in the House. Aguilar's whip bid would similarly break new ground as the first Latino in that role.

Leadership changes in the House Democratic caucus determine which members set the party's legislative agenda and floor strategy. Voters in every district are affected indirectly by who controls the chamber's day-to-day operations.

The takeaway

Leadership contests within a party often shape its legislative priorities for the next Congress. Following these races offers insight into how Democrats plan to organize after the midterms.