Nevada Sen. Cortez Masto becomes first Latina to lead Democratic electoral panel

Nov. 15 (UPI) -- Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto on Thursday became the first Latina to be named chairwoman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

Cortez Masto will lead the party's efforts heading into the 2020 elections, including fundraising.

"I'm committed to replicating the blue wave America saw in Nevada throughout the country & electing a Senate Democratic majority in 2020," she wrote in a tweet Thursday. "We must fight for our healthcare, a woman's right to choose, access to good-paying jobs & more."

She succeeds Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen, who said he did not want to continue in the position.

"I want to thank Chairman Van Hollen for his hard work in the 2018 election and I am committed to replicating the blue wave America saw in Nevada throughout the entire country and electing a Senate Democratic majority in 2020," Cortez Masto said.

Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer praised Cortez Masto, who became the first-ever female senator from Nevada in 2016.

"Catherine Cortez Masto was our first choice for DSCC chairwoman because she has demonstrated the attributes we want in a leader: she breaks glass ceilings, is hardworking, astute politically, an outstanding fundraiser and respected by every member of our caucus," Schumer said in a statement.

The only other woman to chair the DSCC was Washington Sen. Patty Murray, who served in stints from 2001-2003 and 2011-2013.

I'm committed to replicating the blue wave America saw in Nevada throughout the country & electing a Senate Democratic majority in 2020 as the next @dscc Chair. We must fight for our health care, a woman's right to choose, access to good-paying jobs & more https://t.co/SdNCx98ASV

- Senator Cortez Masto (@SenCortezMasto) November 15, 2018