Indian-origin Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal has been elected as the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), reports PTI. This makes her one of the most powerful US lawmakers for the 117th Congress.

55-year-old Jayapal was elected on Wednesday. She said that the caucus will work to end racial justice, tackle poverty and inequality and help transform the country.

“As a lifelong organiser, I am honoured that my colleagues have elected me to lead the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) at this pivotal moment,” Jayapal said.

The incoming Executive Board of CPC is made up of 26 members – one Chair, one Deputy Chair, one Whip, two Chair Emeriti, two Special Order Hour Conveners, ten Vice Chairs, one Executive Board Member At-Large and eight Deputy Whips.

The CPC Executive Board is representative of the diversity within the caucus – more than half of Executive Board members are people of colour and more than half are women.

Incoming CPC Deputy Chair Congresswoman Katie Porter said that in 2018, many of her Democratic colleagues and she successfully ran campaigns rooted in progressive values.

Ilhan Omar, who is CPC Whip Congresswoman, said they have an opportunity to fight for transformative change in the 117th Congress. “I look forward to continuing to represent my colleagues in building an effect progressive voting bloc in Congress alongside fearless leaders like Reps. Pramila Jayapal and Katie,” she said.

Indo-American Congressman Ro Khanna has also been elected as Deputy Whip, while Congresswoman Rashida Talib as vice chair for member services.