Huffman in July. Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images
Rep. Jared Huffman announced a bid for the ranking member spot on the Natural Resources Committee in a letter to colleagues Wednesday.
Why it matters: Rep. Raúl Grijalva has led Democrats on the committee for 10 years.
- The ascent of Huffman, long seen as the successor after Grijalva's departure, would shake up the panel as Democrats play defense against President-elect Trump's agenda.
Driving the news: Huffman noted his background as a "lifelong environmentalist" and pledged vigorous opposition to GOP legislation.
- "For the past 12 years, my work on this Committee has been my highest priority in Congress," he wrote.
- Huffman also said Democrats should designate Grijalva "ranking member emeritus" for his final term in Congress.
Grijalva is back on the Hill this week for the first time since he began treatment for lung cancer earlier this year.
- He issued a statement reiterating that he intends to keep his position. "I know the coming years will bring unprecedented challenges and changes, but I also know how to face them," he said.
Between the lines: Grijalva and Huffman are both progressives who fiercely defend environmental laws, but they've had some stylistic differences and subtle policy disputes over the years.
- During Trump 1.0, Grijalva was a pugnacious voice opposing public lands rescissions and fossil fuel leasing at Interior.
- Huffman has more recently used the dais in Grijalva's absence to oppose permitting overhaul legislation and tie Republicans to Project 2025.
What's next: Both parties are expected to determine their House committee leaders next month.
