Leaders of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition announced Wednesday that Rep. Jim Matheson (D-Utah) will join the group’s leadership team.

Matheson, a senior member in the 52-member coalition, will step up as co-chair for communications, a slot being vacated by Rep. Charlie Melancon (D-La.) as he advances his bid for the Senate.

“The role of the Blue Dogs as a moderating force in Congress is important now, more than ever, and I look forward to leading their efforts to bring increased fiscal responsibility and accountability to the federal government,— Matheson said in a statement.

Matheson joins Reps. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-S.D.), Baron Hill (D-Ind.) and Heath Shuler (D-N.C.) on the Blue Dog leadership team.