WASHINGTON -- California Congressman Xavier Becerra has met with President-elect Barack Obama to discuss the job of U.S. trade representative. 

The meeting took place Thursday at Obama's transition office in Chicago. It was confirmed by a Democratic official who spoke on condition of anonymity because no public announcement has been made. 

Becerra, a Democrat just elected to his ninth term representing Los Angeles, is a member of the House Ways and Means Committee and an ally of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. 

He has fought for labor protections in trade agreements, leading opposition to the Central American free-trade pact because he thought it was too weak in that area.