Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-Calif.) is expected to announce later Tuesday or early Wednesday whether he will accept President-elect Barack Obama’s offer to serve as the next U.S. trade representative.

Becerra’s office was staying mum on the California Democrat’s plans, but some Congressional staffers were anticipating Tuesday that he will decline the administration post and remain in the House. Becerra was just elected Vice Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, a leadership position that he would formally take on in January.

If Becerra stays put, he would short-circuit a brewing leadership battle to replace him in the Democratic hierarchy. Reps. Hilda Solis (Calif.), Kendrick Meek (Fla.), Marcy Kaptur (Ohio) and Joe Crowley (N.Y.) have been eyeing the slot.