Pelosi Becomes Democratic Leader, Matsui to Chair DCCC -- California Capitol Hill Bulletin -- Volume 10, Bulletin 1 -- January 9, 2003

On Tuesday, January 7, 2003, Rep. Nancy Pelosi (San Francisco) was sworn in as the first female party leader in House history. Outgoing Minority Leader Richard Gephardt (MO) administered the oath of office to Pelosi moments before the 108th Congress itself was sworn in.

In late December, Rep. Pelosi selected Rep. Robert T. Matsui (Sacramento) as chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee for the 2003-2004 election cycle. Rep. Matsui is the first Asian-American in a high-level Democratic leadership position.

In other party leadership developments, Rep. Cox was selected to remain Chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee, the fifth highest ranking Republican in the House.

In California party positions, Rep. David Dreier (Covina) was selected by his colleagues to remain Chair of the California Republican Congressional Delegation, and Rep. Sam Farr (Carmel) will retain his position as Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation.

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