Rep. Melanie Stansbury said she’s still weighing a bid for House Natural Resources ranking member, but she has taken steps toward an official run, including establishing a whip operation.
Stansbury, a Democrat from New Mexico, would face Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) if she enters the race. Huffman, who has served since 2012, has amassed significant support for the top Democratic job and is currently running unopposed.
Current ranking member Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.) exited the race this week in the face of Huffman’s challenge and did not endorse the Californian — throwing his weight behind Stansbury instead.
Her potential entry with Grijalva’s backing would provide Huffman with a new hurdle before he formally locks up the position, potentially forcing a full-caucus vote between the two lawmakers.
