Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Earlier today, the Congressional Western Caucus held an election to fill the vacancy of its Chair. The Caucus unanimously selected Representative Celeste Maloy (UT-02) to serve as Chair for the remainder of the 119th Congress. Following her selection, Chair Maloy released the following statement:

“I am deeply honored and humbled to have been elected Chair of the Western Caucus. The trust my colleagues have placed in me especially as I step into the figuratively and literally large shoes of the late Chairman Doug LaMalfa is not lost on me. Doug was a relentless champion for rural America, and filling his shoes, along with those of the leaders who came before him, is a tall order but it’s one I am ready to attack with everything I have. The Western Caucus name may suggest the West, but our mission is national. Rural America and natural resources live in every state, and I will lead this Caucus with urgency, strength, and grit to ensure those communities are heard, defended, and never ignored," said Chair Maloy.

Chair Maloy previously served as the Executive Vice Chair of the Congressional Western Caucus. In her place, the Caucus unanimously selected Representative Nick Begich (AK-AL) to serve as Executive Vice Chair for the remainder of the 119th Congress.

“I am honored to be elected Vice Chair of the Congressional Western Caucus and grateful for the confidence my colleagues have placed in me,” said Executive Vice Chair Begich. “I want to congratulate my colleague, Congresswoman Maloy from the great state of Utah who will serve as Chairwoman of the Caucus. The Western Caucus plays an important role in advancing policies that strengthen America’s rural communities and promote responsible resource development. These issues are especially important to Alaska, and I look forward to working with Chairman Maloy and my colleagues in the Caucus to ensure rural America has a strong voice in Congress.”