Rep. Kendrick Meek (D-Fla.) is jumping into the still-unofficial race to replace Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-Calif.) as vice chairman of the House Democratic Caucus. Becerra appears poised to accept a post as U.S. trade representative.

“I hope to serve as one of the many leaders for our newer members of Congress,” Meek said in a more than 400-word statement announcing his bid. “At the same time, I will continue to seek guidance from our Democratic leaders, committee chairs and subcommittee chairs that have the experience and knowledge to enact our legislative priorities in the years to come.”

Meek is a member of the Congressional Black Caucus and a close ally of Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).