West Virginians should be proud and pleased that our soon-to-be senior U.S. senator, Shelly Moore Capito, is now in the fourth-most-powerful position in the Senate.

Besides being a clear leader in the upper chamber of Congress, Capito has a track record of doing not only what is best for the people of the United States, but also safeguarding West Virginia’s interests, especially in regards to the state’s position as a top energy producer.

Capito’s reputation explains why she was unchallenged in her pursuit of becoming the chairwoman of the Republican Policy Committee.

The committee helps to develop the legislative agenda of the Republican caucus, and with a current 53-47 majority in the Senate, as well as President Donald Trump and a Republican-controlled House, the Grand Ole Party is eager to put its stamp on government operations.

“I am grateful to my colleagues for electing me to serve on the Senate Republican leadership team as the next Chairman of the Senate Republican Policy Committee,” said Capito in a statement Wednesday. “I look forward to working in this new leadership role to help build consensus with my colleagues in many of these conservative principles that Senate Republicans — now in the majority — can implement in the new Congress.”

Capito, who has been in the Senate since 2015 and before that served 14 years in the House, has earned a reputation of being a strong conservative voice as well as a strong advocate for women. She has obvious Republican core values but is a pragmatist when it comes to moving forward legislation that will help the American people — and her constituents at home.

Capito is a part of the new-wave leadership taking hold of the Senate as long-time Majority Leader Mitch McConnell steps aside.

“Congratulations to our new leader, John Thune,” Capito said. “He will be a strong voice, as he has been in the past as the whip, and I look forward to serving with him and with all of our leadership team.”

U.S. Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., is the new Senate majority whip. U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., is chairman of the Senate Republican Caucus. U.S. Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., was chosen as vice chairman of the Senate Republican Conference. U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., will serve as the chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, which recruits and raises money for GOP Senate candidates.

Capito is dialed into what the majority of Americans wanted as they voted to return Trump to the White House and to give Republicans majorities in both chambers of Congress.

“I think the biggest issues were … the border, national security and others. It is literally the American family — the mom and the dad, the grandmother, whoever it is — going to the grocery store. … All of us could see the escalating costs,” Capito said. “We hear those voices. We hear them loud and clear, and those are the voices that we’re going to respond to along with President Trump through the next several years.”

We believe Capito is in excellent position to make a positive difference in the lives of all Americans as well as her beloved West Virginians. We look forward to her — and Congress’ — success.