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Democrats Pick SoCal Congresswoman Linda Sanchez as First Latina in House Leadership

Rep. Linda Sánchez (D-CA) of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, delivers remarks on the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 25, 2016 in Philadelphia. (Credit: Alex Wong/Getty Images)

In a 98-96 vote, Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-Whittier) was elected the next vice chairwoman of the House Democratic Caucus on Wednesday, making her the first Latina to ever serve in House leadership.

“We always knew it takes a lot of hard work to get a majority of your colleagues on board with something, I’ve been working at this for more than a year, worked diligently, and I knew today whatever the outcome, I left it all out on the field,” Sanchez said after the vote.

Earlier in the day, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco fended off a challenge for her post from a group of younger members, some of whom had grumbled about how long some of the senior members have been in power, and whether newer members of the caucus had a voice.

Sanchez, who at 47 will also be the youngest member of House leadership, said she heard similar concerns from members as she campaigned for the position.

Click here to read the full story on LATimes.com. 

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