President Barack Obama expects the Democratic Party to transition to leadership by committee when he leaves office next Friday, and his top spokesman expects Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe will play a major role.

Asked Thursday to whom Obama will articulate concerns or offer advice, Press Secretary Josh Earnest pointed to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California and the new Senate Minority Leader, Charles E. Schumer of New York, then added McAuliffe to the list.

“I know that Gov. McAuliffe in the commonwealth of Virginia plays a leading role in working with Democratic governors across the country and I certainly would expect him to … continue to be a leading voice among Democrats,” Earnest said.

Amid talk that Bill and Hillary Clinton will take on lesser roles in party matters, Earnest’s inclusion of one of their closest former aides and surrogates is noteworthy.

Last week, Earnest told reporters the departing president expects that a small group of Democratic leaders will likely assume command.