One of southeast Minnesota’s congressmen is seeking a key veteran affairs position.

First District Rep. Tim Walz, DFL-Minnesota, announced his intention to seek the ranking member seat on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

“We need a leader who can work with the Veteran Service Organizations, the VA, and Veterans themselves to develop effective policy. As the highest ranking enlisted soldier to serve in Congress, I believe I am the right person, at the right time, to lead this committee.”

Walz has been endorsed to become the next ranking member of the committee by the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the Association of the United States Navy (AUSN), the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS), and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers.

Following Rep. Corrine Brown’s departure from the ranking member position last week, Rep. Mark Takano will temporarily assume the role through the remainder of the Congress. Walz is seeking the seat for the next congress.

Walz also announced Wednesday that his 2016 campaign raised note than $218,000 in the second quarter. He is seeking reelection in November and is being challenged by Republican Jim Hagedorn.