Nov. 20 (Bloomberg) -- Representative Henry Waxman won the chairmanship of the Energy and Commerce Committee, ousting John Dingell, the longest-serving member of the U.S. House.

House Democrats voted 137-122 for Waxman in a secret ballot, lawmakers said. Waxman, 69, who currently leads the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, said he argued that a change in leadership of the energy panel was needed to work with the incoming administration of President-elect Barack Obama.

“We have a new opportunity that only comes once in a generation,” Waxman said. “We must meet the challenge.”

The Energy and Commerce Committee has jurisdiction over energy, health care and telecommunications issues, and is likely to have a central role in passing several of Obama’s highest legislative priorities when Congress reconvenes next year.

Waxman, of California, had kept a low profile and engaged in no public campaigning in his bid to upset Dingell, 82. He had touted his environmental record and said he was better positioned to push laws to limit greenhouse gas emissions.

Dingell, of Michigan, one of the auto industry’s staunchest allies, was challenged as the nation’s carmakers are in financial turmoil and are asking this week for $25 billion in federal support.

Dingell had waged a public campaign, with letters of endorsement from members. He had highlighted his longtime service to the party and his commitment to making health care more affordable.

To contact the reporters on this story: Daniel Whitten in Washington at dwhitten2@bloomberg.netLorraine Woellert in Washington at lwoellert@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: November 20, 2008 11:16 EST