WASHINGTON — Rep. Pete Aguilar, a former credit union executive, is expected to become House majority whip in the new Congress, putting the California Democrat in a central role in assembling votes for his party’s legislative priorities.
The Associated Press reported that Aguilar is expected to take the whip’s post after Democrats won House control. Hakeem Jeffries is poised to become speaker, with Katherine Clark expected to become majority leader.
Aguilar won reelection in California’s 33rd Congressional District with more than 67% of the vote, defeating Republican Stephanie Vargas.
Aguilar currently chairs the House Democratic Caucus. His anticipated move would require selection by fellow Democrats; House party leaders are chosen by their own delegations, while the full House elects the speaker.
As whip, Aguilar would help determine whether legislation has enough support to pass, persuade wavering Democrats and make sure members are present for important votes. The Congressional Research Service describes whips as both vote mobilizers and a channel for information between lawmakers and party leaders.
That would place him at the center of negotiations over bills affecting household costs and financial security, subjects he emphasized in an Oct. 30 interview with KVCR Public Media.
ACA Among Priorities
Aguilar told KVCR that restoring Affordable Care Act tax credits and reversing Medicaid cuts were priorities. He also described housing, utilities, groceries and gasoline as sources of financial pressure on families.
“Our job is to pass bills off the House floor,” Aguilar told KVCR. He said Democrats would seek common ground with the Senate.
Before entering Congress, Aguilar served as director of governmental relations at Arrowhead Credit Union in California. He was appointed to the Redlands City Council in 2006 while working at Arrowhead and later served as the city’s mayor.
Since being elected to Congress, Aguilar has appeared before numerous credit union events in Washington.
