Rep. Veronica Escobar was elected Wednesday morning to be the newest member of Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s leadership team, taking on a high-profile role in the caucus as Democrats ramp up their impeachment probe.

The Texas Democrat was chosen by the nearly 60-member freshman class through a secret ballot, defeating three other freshmen members vying to be one of two freshman caucus representatives, a position left open by the resignation of Rep. Katie Hill of California. The election came down to Escobar and centrist Rep. Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey, after several rounds of voting in which no member received a majority. Reps. Susie Lee of Nevada and Lauren Underwood of Illinois had also sought the position.


Escobar has become a voice in her caucus on issues like immigrant detention centers. She led dozens of members to tour a facility in her district during her first 11 months in office.