Massachusetts Rep. Katherine Clark Named Democratic House Whip

WASHINGTON, DC — Katherine Clark, the U.S. Representative in Massachusetts' 5th District, was just tabbed for a historic role in the next Congress.

Clark was tabbed as the Democrat's House Whip, making her the second most powerful Democrat in Congress. She is the second woman to be elected to the role, following in the footsteps of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Clark took to Twitter to share her thoughts on the moment.

"I ran for Congress to be a voice for women, families, and working people. When I’m at the table, so are you," Clark said. "I am humbled and honored to serve the American people as the @HouseDemocrats Whip for the 118th Congress."

House Democrats elected Hakeem Jeffries as minority leader, another historic move that sees Jeffries become the first Black person to hold that top role.

The New York Times reports that Democrats didn't vote on the appointments of Jeffries, Clark or California Rep. Pete Aguilar to any of the top three spots, rather, they were elected by acclamation.

Jeffries, Clark and Aguilar ran unopposed after Pelosi announced she would be leaving the role after two decades atop the party.

As House Whip, Clark will be the vote counter and wrangler, tasked with keeping the party aligned on important decisions.

Clark, who now lives in Revere, got her start in politics in Melrose. She was eventually elected to both the State House and Senate, and made her debut in Congress in 2013 via a special election.

She was elected in 2020 as Assistant Speaker of the 117th Congress after serving as the Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus during the previous session.