Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) announced Thursday he intends to run for House Democratic Caucus chair.

Why it matters: It's one of the top leadership positions in the House, and the caucus is responsible for nominating other House Democratic leaders, including majority leader and majority whip. The current chair is Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-N.Y.), who was unseated by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in the Democratic primary for New York's 14th district. Reps. Barbara Lee and Linda Sanchez of California are also running for the job.