U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, has climbed higher in the Democratic Party ranks as the second-generation Mexican-American lawmaker joined the Democratic Whip team for the 114th Congress as the new chief deputy whip.

In a statement by House of Representatives' Democratic Whip Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland, Castro will be the chief deputy whip on the latest congressional session after serving as the assistant whip.

"As a young, up and coming House Democrat and a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Rep. Castro will help ensure all parts of our Caucus are represented at the table and that their voices are heard," said Hoyer. "[Castro] is an outstanding addition to our team, and I look forward to working with him to keep Democrats united throughout the 114th Congress as we promote our agenda of job creation and a stronger middle class."

Hoyer noted he is "pleased" to promote Castro to the new role.

In response to the promotion, Castro, who represents Texas's 20th Congressional District, recognized his addition will help provide Democrats with a new voice for the youth and America's next generation.

"The inclusion of young, fresh voices on the Whip team helps ensure the Democratic Caucus reflects, and pursues policies of importance to, the next generation of Americans," said Castro. "I'm grateful that Whip Hoyer has named me a Chief Deputy Whip, and I'm eager to work with him and the rest of the team to help our Caucus remain unified in its efforts to grow the economy, strengthen the middle class, and ensure our young people receive quality, affordable educations."

Joaquin was elected to represent Texas Congressional District 20, which includes San Antonio and Bexar County, in 2012. He was previously elected in the Texas Legislature, where he served five terms as a state representative for District 125. Since working in Congress, Castro has been involved in the House Armed Services Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

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The rest of the 114th Congress Chief Deputy Whip team includes Senior Chief Deputy Whip Rep. John Lewis of Georgia and Chief Deputy Whips Rep. Terri Sewell of Alabama, and Rep. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, Rep. Diana DeGette of Colorado, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida, Rep. Jan Schakowsky of Illinois, Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota, Rep. G. K. Butterfield of North Carolina and Rep. Peter Welch of Vermont.

Castro's twin brother, Julian Castro, also works for the federal government as the secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Prior to HUD, Secretary Castro was mayor of San Antonio for three terms.

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