Seven Virginia Democrats are urging their House colleagues to reappoint Rep. Bobby Scott as the top Democrat on the Education and Labor Committee, backing the longtime leader as he faces two challengers for the post next Congress.

Reps. Don Beyer, Jennifer McClellan, Suhas Subramanyam, Eugene Vindman and James Walkinshaw joined Reps.-elect Elaine Luria and Shannon Taylor in endorsing Scott in a statement Friday. Reps. Suzanne Bonamici of Oregon and Jahana Hayes of Connecticut are also seeking the position.

Scott has led Democrats on the panel for more than a decade. His Virginia colleagues argued that his experience would make him effective in overseeing the Trump administration’s education policies and protecting students’ civil rights.

“Nobody else is better positioned to hold the Trump Administration accountable for dismantling the Department of Education and eroding the civil rights of students,” the lawmakers wrote. They said Scott’s leadership over the past two years helped draw attention to the administration’s actions ahead of what they called historic midterm victories.

The lawmakers also said Scott was well suited to hold the secretaries of Labor and Health and Human Services accountable. Their endorsement highlighted his knowledge of the federal budget process, civil rights laws and the Constitution, as well as his work to fund K-12 schools and strengthen support for historically Black colleges and universities during his previous tenure as committee chair.

Earlier this month, Scott signaled his oversight priorities in a letter to agency heads, including Education Secretary Linda McMahon. He demanded assurances that they would preserve documents and warned that officials and employees who violate the law “are subject to criminal penalties.”

In their statement, the Virginia Democrats said Scott had the experience to begin oversight work immediately.

“We strongly encourage House Democrats to re-appoint Bobby Scott as Chair of the House Committee on Education & Labor because of his dedication, his ability and proven record to hit the ground running to rein in the Trump Administration,” they wrote. “As Chair, Bobby Scott will deliver for America’s students, workers, and families.”