U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers won the fourth highest position in the House of Representatives today in a closed meeting of House Republicans, The Hill, Politico and other media are reporting.

McMorris Rodgers, R-Spokane, was elected chairwoman of the House Republican Conference. It ranks just below Speaker of the House, majority leader and majority whip. McMorris Rodgers has served for two terms as the vice chairwoman of the Republican Conference.

McMorris Rodgers was cast the pick of party establishment both for her experience and to present a female face among Republican leadership. Her opponent in the race, Tom Price, R-Ga., had the support of more conservative forces in the party.