Press Releases

Yesterday, Representative Celeste Maloy (R, UT-02) was elected by unanimous consent to serve as Chair of the Congressional Western Caucus, the largest caucus in the House.

Rep. Maloy assumes leadership of the Western Caucus following the passing of former Chairman Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), whose tireless advocacy for rural America left an indelible mark on the Caucus and the communities it serves.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to have been elected Chair of the Western Caucus,” said Rep. Maloy. “The trust my colleagues have placed in me, especially as I step into the figuratively and literally large shoes of the late Chairman Doug LaMalfa, is not lost on me. Doug was a relentless champion for rural America, and filling his shoes, along with those of the leaders who came before him, is a tall order but it’s one I am ready to attack with everything I have.”

Under Rep. Maloy's leadership, the Western Caucus will continue its mission to advance policies that strengthen rural economies, protect natural resources, defend property rights, and ensure energy independence. While the Caucus bears the Western name, its reach extends nationwide.

"The Western Caucus name may suggest the West, but our mission is national," Rep. Maloy emphasized. "Rural America and natural resources live in every state, and I will lead this Caucus with urgency, strength, and grit to ensure those communities are heard, defended, and never ignored."

The Congressional Western Caucus represents members from across the country who are committed to fighting for the priorities of rural Americans, including responsible land management, agricultural vitality, infrastructure development, and economic opportunity in communities often overlooked by Washington.

Industry leaders spoke in support of the new leadership.

“CRES congratulates Rep. Maloy as the next chair of the Congressional Western Caucus,” said Heather Reams, President and CEO Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions. “Rep. Maloy is a true champion of all-of-the-above energy as well as western and rural American issues. CRES is proud to call her a friend and now Chair of the Western Caucus!”

Melissa Simpson, president of Western Energy Alliance and board member of the Western Caucus Foundation, said, “Rep. Maloy has come into Congress and demonstrated a matchless ability to wade deep into complex issues unique to the West. She became an instant leader on public lands policies related to energy development, land management, and water authority. From her time at USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service where we first met, I’ve been impressed with her passion to serve people working the land to benefit their families and our nation. She goes to work with a smile and grace and with unflinching grit and determination. It’s no wonder she earned the respect of her colleagues, and we’re pleased she’s the new chairwoman of Western Caucus.”

Rep. Maloy's election as Chair positions her to be a powerful voice for rural communities at a critical time when these areas face unique challenges and opportunities in energy development, natural resource management, and economic growth.