cortez
See moment Ocasio-Cortez realized victory
01:28 - Source: NY1
Washington CNN  — 

California Rep. Linda Sánchez announced on Tuesday that she plans to run for the position of House Democratic Caucus Chair, launching a bid to take over Rep. Joe Crowley’s leadership role following his stunning primary defeat last month.

Sánchez, a California Democrat who currently serves as vice chair, said in a letter to caucus members that “it has been an honor to work with Chairman Crowley” and said that she is “pleased to announce that I will run for House Democratic Caucus Chair for the 116th Congress.”

RELATED: House Democrats in shock as they break down what Joe Crowley’s loss means for leadership

Crowley, a 10-term incumbent, lost a primary challenge to Democratic socialist Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at the end of June, an outcome that sent shock waves through the Democratic Party.

Locked out of power in the White House and Congress, Democrats are now gearing up to mobilize voters in the 2018 midterm elections.

In the letter announcing her leadership bid, Sánchez wrote, “As a caucus we are all focused on securing an effective Democratic majority in the next term. If the American people instill their trust in House Democrats, we must show them that we are ready to lead on the first day.”

Sánchez added that she is “committed to doing everything I can to put the Democratic Caucus in the strongest position as we fight to take back the majority and maintain it for years to come.”

CNN’s Greg Krieg contributed to this report