Rep. Katherine Clark Elected Assistant Speaker Of The House

MELROSE, MA — U.S. Rep Katherine Clark was elected by her fellow Democratic House members to the position of assistant speaker, elevating her to one of the highest leadership posts in Congress.

Clark was elected, 135-92, in a remote vote Wednesday. She was vying for the spot against U.S. Rep David Cicilline of Rhode Island.

Clark, of Melrose, is already the second-highest ranking in the House. Now she's the fourth-highest ranking member overall.

The position holds added significance as the three ranking members ahead of them are all in their 80s.

"As Assistant Speaker, my work will be guided by everyday Americans who have stood up this year to protect and strengthen our nation; From the heroic frontline workers who bravely put the security and health of others before their own, to the record number of Americans who took to the streets this summer and took to the polls this November, who energized our democracy and brought a renewed urgency to our fight for racial, climate, and economic justice," Clark said in a statement.

Clark is already an influential Democrat in Washington as vice chair of the House Democratic Caucus.