In DC, Powerful California Is the New Texas

California is set to take over Texas’ role as the state with most influence on the federal government, Politico reports. With Nancy Pelosi as House Speaker, the largest number of representatives—34—in the Democratic caucus, and one of the strongest presences by state in Barack Obama’s administration, the Golden State’s agenda is poised to echo up and down Pennsylvania Avenue.

Californians Steven Chu and Hilda Solis have been nominated for energy and labor cabinet posts; senior representatives from the state chair four committees; and Californians head key committees in the Senate. “California has always been the ATM to the nation in terms of political fundraising,” said a Silicon Valley Congresswoman. “We’re policy leaders now.” (More California stories.)