The incoming Congress could see big changes, including that of the powerful progressive caucus, which is getting a leadership swap in the upcoming 119th Congress.

One of the most influential members of the House of Representatives in Washington has been selected to lead the caucus, as The Washington Examiner reported.

Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) head Greg Casar, a member of the United States House of Representatives, was elected to the role on Thursday. This is the highest-ranking leadership position for progressives in the United States House of Representatives.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash. ) will relinquish her position as chair, which she held for a term- limited  amount of time.

The Lawmaker's History

As a labor leader and former member of the Austin City Council, Casar was elected to Congress in 2022. This election came about as a result of Texas gaining two seats in the House of Representatives as a result of reapportionment following the 2020 census.

“The Members of the Progressive Caucus know how to fight billionaires, grifters, and Republican frauds in Congress. Our caucus will make sure the Democratic Party stands up to corporate interests for working people," Casar said. “I’m honored to build on the legacy of Chair Jayapal.

"I’ve fought back against extremist, egocentric autocrats in Texas for my entire adult life. The Democratic Party must directly take on Trump, and it’ll be CPC Members boldly leading the way and putting working people first.”

Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) will serve as the deputy chair of the CPC, and Rep. Jesús "Chuy" García (D-Ill.) will serve as the whip. Casar ran for the job without facing any opposition. Previously, during his first tenure in Congress, Casar held the position of CPC Whip for the party.

From the Other Members

"The Congressional Progressive Caucus has always served as an incredible vehicle for transformative change, justice, and movement building," noted Omar.

"I am honored to have the support of my colleagues to serve another term as the deputy chair of the Progressive Caucus. Over the next term, we are going to fight to build an inclusive movement that meets the moment."

Nearly one hundred members make up the CPC, which was initially headed by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) in 1991 while he was still a member of the United States House of Representatives.

Outgoing Chief

"It is my great honor to pass the torch to the next class of elected leadership of the Progressive Caucus: My dear friends and trusted colleagues Reps. Greg Casar, Ilhan Omar, and Chuy García," said Jayapal.

"I was proud to establish term limits when I became chair in 2018, and have full confidence in the abilities of our new class to lead this caucus in the fight against the worst of the incoming Trump administration while rebuilding our party with a focus on economic justice for working people," she added.

She went on to say that she would be "cheering these three new leaders and our new vice chairs" and that her "heart is very full knowing we will have them at the helm of the CPC."