Delaware Gov. Jack Markell (D) will replace Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D-Mont.) as the new chairman of the Democratic Governor’s Association, the organization announced Wednesday.

Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley will continue serving as vice chair.

The nod cements what has been a rapid rise in national politics for Markell, still in the first year of his administration. The 49-year-old was elected to Delaware’s top post in 2008 after a decade as state treasurer.