Democratic leadership taps Joaquin Castro for influential congressional post

U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, Texas Democrat.

Joaquin Castro has been a member of Congress for just a little more than two years, but the Democratic leadership on Capitol Hill had made clear that it holds the former Texas state legislator in high regard, and has just tapped him for another prestigious post.

On Thursday, House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, a Maryland Democrat, announced that Castro has been named a chief deputy whip of the party’s leadership in the House.

Politico noted that this is quite a feat for “a relative newcomer” in Congress.

In this position, Castro will have a major say in positions the leadership will take on various matters.

“As a young, up and coming House Democrat and a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Rep. Castro will help ensure all parts of our Caucus are represented at the table and that their voices are heard,” said Hoyer in a statement announcing Castro’s promotion.

“He is an outstanding addition to our team, and I look forward to working with him to keep Democrats united throughout the 114th Congress as we promote our agenda of job creation and a stronger middle class.”

Shortly after he was sworn in as a congressman in 2013, Castro was selected co-president of the House freshman Democrats. In 2012, when Castro was running for Congress, Texas political consultant Bill Miller told reporters: “He’s already out of the crowd. He could go far and he could go fast.”

Castro, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee, expressed gratitude over his promotion.

“The inclusion of young, fresh voices on the Whip team helps ensure the Democratic Caucus reflects, and pursues policies of importance to, the next generation of Americans,” said Castro in a statement.

“I’m grateful that Whip Hoyer has named me a Chief Deputy Whip, and I’m eager to work with him and the rest of the team to help our Caucus remain unified in its efforts to grow the economy, strengthen the middle class, and ensure our young people receive quality, affordable education.”

Castro served five terms as state representative in Texas. His district in Texas covers a large part of San Antonio and Bexar County.

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