U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse won election Wednesday as assistant Democratic leader in the U.S. House of Representatives, making the Colorado lawmaker the highest-ranking member of the state’s congressional delegation since the 1930s.

The 39-year-old takes over the position from South Carolina Rep. James Clyburn, who announced in February that he was stepping down to make way for younger Democrats to advance in party leadership.

Elected without opposition, Neguse moves up from chairman of the House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee, which runs the party’s messaging in the Republican-controlled chamber, a post the third-term lawmaker from Lafayette has held since late 2022.

The son of Eritrean immigrants and the first Black member of Congress from Colorado, Neguse represents the heavily Democratic 2nd Congressional District, which covers all or parts of Boulder and Larimer counties and much of Northwestern Colorado, including counties along the Interstate 70 ski corridor.

The former University of Colorado regent and executive director of the state Department of Regulatory Agencies has held a leadership role since his first term, when he was elected by the incoming class of lawmakers as a co-freshman representative to the chamber’s leadership.

“Each and every day I’m deeply honored and humbled to serve the people of the great state of Colorado, and I look forward to continuing to advocate on their behalf as assistant Democratic leader of the U.S. House of Representatives,” Neguse said in a statement.

“As a proud Westerner, I’m committed to ensuring that the people of Colorado and throughout the Rocky Mountain West have a seat at the table and will work in my new role to ensure the voices of folks across our country and from every corner of the Democratic Caucus are elevated, included, and heard.”

Added Neguse: “I am deeply grateful to my colleagues for electing me to serve in this position, and as assistant Democratic leader, I look forward to assisting Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark, and Chairman Pete Aguilar as we continue to put People over Politics and deliver real results for the American people. Together, we will work shoulder to shoulder to cut through the chaos created by House Republicans and make good on our promises to the American people. Now, more than ever, we must build a future our communities can believe in.”

Neguse’s election completes the’ turnover from the Democratic leadership team that surrounded former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who passed the torch to Jeffries at the end of the last congressional term.

Jeffries cheered Neguse’s election in a statement released on Tuesday.

“As assistant Democratic leader, he will be a critical partner in our efforts to move America forward, as he works to enhance House services and resources, amplify our work putting people over politics and provide valuable strategic assistance to our Caucus,” said Jeffries.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, who represented the 2nd CD before his election as governor, issued a statement Tuesday congratulating his fellow Democrat “on this well-deserved promotion.”

“Congressman Neguse has committed his life to public service and helped move Colorado and our country forward, whether it’s helping create new jobs in the region, expanding broadband access or fighting to protect our public lands and more,” Polis said. “Joe’s leadership has already made a positive impact on our state and nation, and in this new leadership position in Congress, he will be able to deliver even more for Colorado.”

Neguse is a member of the House Judiciary, Rules and Natural Resources committees and is a ranking member of the Natural Resource Committee’s Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands. He served as a House impeachment manager for former President Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial in 2021 and was the youngest impeachment manager in U.S. history.