Dem Reps. Sherman, Engel will seek Foreign Affairs leadership post

Reps. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) and Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.) officially threw their hats in the ring Thursday for the top Democratic spot on the House Foreign Affairs Committee after Sherman defeated ranking member Howard Berman Tuesday in the race for California's redrawn 30th Congressional District.

Sherman is one rank ahead of Engel in terms of seniority. Engel is more powerful with Democratic leaders, several of whom backed Berman over Sherman.

“Today, I announce my candidacy for the position of Ranking Member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs,” Engel said in a statement. “For the last several years, Howard Berman has been our leader on the Committee, and the loss of his expertise on foreign policy will be felt throughout the Congress. I hope to carry on in his tradition.

“After my many years on the Committee, serving as Chairman and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, I have built strong relationships with key members of the Administration and leaders around the world. As a result, I believe I am best qualified to carry on Howard’s important efforts and work on behalf of our Democratic members and our Democratic leadership, with a steady, consensus-drive style reflective of all voices in our party,” Engel said.

Sherman spokesman Ben Fishel confirmed his boss is also in the running.

“Of all Democratic voting Members of Congress elected to serve in the 113th Congress, Sherman is highest in seniority on the House Foreign Affairs Committee,” Fishel said in an emailed statement. “Sherman has been encouraged by many of his colleagues to seek the Ranking Member position. We expect others to seek it as well.”

Adding to the competition, American Samoa Del. Eni Faleomavaega has also said he'd run. Faleomavaega is ahead of both Sherman and Engel in terms of seniority but can't vote in the full House, making his bid a long shot.

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