Jared Huffman Becomes Ranking Member of House Natural Resources

Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) has been named as the new Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee for the 119th Congress, succeeding Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.). Huffman, who has served on the committee for 12 years, was elected following a key vote by the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee and a unanimous vote by the House Democratic Caucus. Grijalva, who had initially planned to remain in the position, endorsed Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) before stepping back due to health issues. Huffman emphasized his commitment to protecting natural resources and addressing the impacts of climate change. His leadership election is part of a broader shift in Democratic committee leadership following the party's 2024 electoral losses. The changes reflect a push for new leadership as several senior Democrats, including Grijalva and Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), step down from top roles.