WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald J. Trump has selected Elaine L. Chao, the former labor secretary under George W. Bush, to head the Department of Transportation, elevating someone who has been a fixture of the Republican establishment in Washington to a post that could become integral to shaping one of the most ambitious parts of Mr. Trump’s agenda.
Mr. Trump, a real estate magnate, has said infrastructure redevelopment is a priority. And Ms. Chao has experience — politically and personally — in navigating the competing centers of power in the capital. She is married to Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and majority leader.
The choice of Ms. Chao, which is expected to be announced later Tuesday, was confirmed by someone with direct knowledge of Mr. Trump’s decision.