Clyburn's exit sparks House Democratic leadership shake up

• The top three Democratic leaders — 53-year-old Leader Hakeem Jeffries, 60-year-old Whip Katherine Clark and 44-year-old Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar — all assumed their roles just over a year ago.

Driving the news: Democratic Policy and Communications Committee Chair Joe Neguse (D-Colo.) already announced his candidacy in a "dear colleague" letter on Thursday.

• "I would be honored to serve as Assistant Democratic Leader — to build on [Clyburn's] distinguished legacy, and to continue my work supporting our Leader, Hakeem Jeffries," Neguse wrote.

What we're hearing: Neguse is currently unopposed. Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) told Axios she "can't imagine" she would contest the role, saying Neguse "will be a great assistant leader."

• New Democrat Coalition Chair Annie Kuster (D-N.H.) said she hasn't decided whether to run for a leadership job, but is "very happy where I am" and will "get behind [Neguse] whatever he wants to run for."

Zoom in: If Neguse wins the assistant leader job, it would likely touch off yet another hotly contested leadership race for his DPCC chairmanship.

• Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-Texas), one of three DPCC co-chairs, told Axios she would run for the role if it becomes vacant.
• Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) is also seriously looking at a run and has been encouraged by colleagues to vie for the role, according to a senior House Democrat and another source familiar with the matter.