Dr. Marcia Godwin quoted on congressman Aguilar career trajectory

On November 30, House Democrats selected congressman Pete Aguilar, a former mayor of Redlands, as House Democratic Caucus chairman. Aguilar is now the highest-ranking Latino in congressional history.

Professor of Public Administration Dr. Marcia Godwin provided an analysis for Redlands Daily Facts on Aguilar’s career trajectory.

“It was clear from his first term that he was laying the foundation for an influential career in Congress,” Godwin writes.  “He was selected for the House Appropriations Committee early on, which arguably is what is most important to the local area. It has given him a way to steer resources to the region, much in the same way the late Rep. Jerry Lewis did from the other side of the aisle.”

Aguilar’s interpersonal skills are a likely factor in his ascent, Godwin asserts, citing his consensus-building style while mayor of Redlands:

“The House is full of ambitious politicians and he comes off as someone willing to let others take the spotlight.”

Founded in 1890, the Redlands Daily Facts is owned by Digital First Media.