WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP)  Congressman Jeff Denham, R-Turlock, is under consideration to be the next U.S. Secretary of the Interior.

Denham, who lost his re-election bid last month to Democrat Josh Harder, could replace Ryan Zinke, who is leaving the post a year’s end. Denham’s Chief of Staff Bret Manley confirmed the White House has approached his boss about the position.

Nevada U.S, Senator Dean Heller is also reportedly under consideration for the Interior post.

Zinke’s last day will be Jan. 2.

Denham will conclude his fourth term on congress on Jan. 3. Water has been of his core issues in the eight years he’s served. The Interior department manages the nation’s natural resources, including water rights.

A Trump loyalist, Denham stood by Trump as he signed the America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, authorizing more than $6 billion in spending over 10 years for projects nationwide, including water storage in the San Joaquin Valley.

He was also on hand as Trump signed a water memorandum at an October event in Arizona, flanked by Denham and other members of the Valley GOP delegation.