The Democratic leader in the House of Representatives has named a Latino representative from New Mexico to head the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC).

If approved by the Democratic caucus, Rep. Ben Ray Luján will be the first Latino to hold the position.

Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., the House of Representatives minority leader, nominated Luján to succeed Rep. Steve Israel of New York.

"Congressman Ben Ray Luján is a dynamic and forward-looking leader with the fresh energy and ideas House Democrats need for victory in 2016," Pelosi said in a statement. "Congressman Luján has the bold vision and determined leadership to deliver Democratic wins in difficult districts -- and I am confident he will prove a tireless champion for our members and candidates across the country."

As a result of Luján's nomination, Israel was nominated to be the DCCC's Policy and Communications Chair.

"As Chairman of the DCCC for the past four years, Congressman Steve Israel has consistently proved the depth of his wisdom and the strength of his strategic vision in making our case to the American people," Pelosi said. "In his new role as Chair, Policy and Communications, Congressman Israel will be an invaluable asset to our Caucus, working closely with the Steering and Policy Committee to develop our Caucus message, jumpstart the middle class and reignite the American dream."

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In an interview with The Washington Post, Pelosi said Luján's nomination was because of his "political astuteness."

Luján won his re-election on midterm Election Day with the defeat of Republican candidate Jefferson Byrd with 61.52 percent to 38.46 percent, respectively. He will serve a fourth term starting January 2015 for New Mexico's 3rd District. Luján is also a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and a vice chairman with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

Pelosi also nominated Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut to be the DCCC's steering co-chair. The House minority leader referred DeLauro as a "lion" within the Democratic caucus.

"Rosa DeLauro's innovative and unrelenting leadership is essential to our Caucus. She is the insistent vision behind the When Women Succeed, America Succeeds agenda, and her work on behalf of students and working families is unparalleled. Congresswoman DeLauro is the lion of our caucus, and I look forward to continuing to work with her to move our country forward."

Pelosi also nominated Rep. Donna Edwards of Maryland as the DCCC's policy co-chair.

The Democratic caucus is expected to approve Pelosi's nominations.

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