After Resounding Win in First Round of Votes, Huffman Named Ranking Member of Natural Resources Committee

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Jared Huffman (CA-02) was announced as Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee for the 119^th Congress.

“It is the honor of my lifetime to win this election and be named Ranking Member of the Natural Resources Committee. My entire career has been centered around natural resources – from my time as an attorney at the Natural Resources Defense Council to the past twelve years serving on this committee,” said Rep. Huffman. “I am incredibly grateful to the many partners who have supported me in my journey – tribes from around the country, environmental allies, and the overwhelming majority of my colleagues I’ve served with here in the House. I will work day-in and day-out to honor the trust they have put in me to lead this committee. We have weathered many storms together and I believe we are better prepared than ever to tackle what lies ahead next Congress. This is a team sport, and I am excited and ready to lead this team.”

Rep. Huffman is a proven and qualified leader, earning commitments from over 170 of his colleagues in this election. Huffman has served on HNRC for the past 12 years and served as a Subcommittee Chair/Ranking Member for the past 10 years. Huffman also represents a district that gives him a unique perspective and comprehensive insight on the issues reflected in Natural Resources. His district:

• Has more indigenous tribes than any district outside of Alaska;
• Includes a vast array of public lands and waters;
• Experiences some of the worst impacts of the climate crisis;
• Is at the forefront of innovative climate solutions.

Prior to Congress, he worked as a California legislator chairing environmental committees, an environmental attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council, and Board President for a major municipal water district.

This announcement comes after his challenger dropped out following a 44-17 vote in the Steering and Policy Committee last night. The outpouring of support Huffman received during this race has included:

• Current and former members of the House Natural Resources Committee  highlighting the importance of continuity, experience, and bold leadership for the Committee’s critical work ahead.
• 24 members of Congress who have been on the frontlines of Democrats’ toughest battles.
• Three former Chairs and Ranking Members of the Committee  underscoring the deep institutional knowledge and expertise they’ve entrusted Huffman to uphold.
• 32 tribes and tribal representatives joined a letter supporting Huffman’s candidacy, and several others, including the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, Greenville Rancheria Tribal Council, Round Valley Indian Tribes, and Mooretown Rancheria sent individual statements of support, emphasizing the critical importance of centering tribal sovereignty and the protection of cultural and sacred resources in his work.
• Endorsement letters from the Center for Biological Diversity, the Grassland Water District, Ecological Restoration Business Association, Save the Redwoods League, and CalTrout citing his leadership throughout his career fighting to uphold the nation’s bedrock environmental laws that protect public lands, air and water, and this nation’s endangered species.

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