The chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-LA), sent a letter to colleagues on Thursday requesting that an African-American lawmaker be given one of the top two leadership spots should Democrats take the House next week.
Referencing the work that the Black Caucus and black voters have done to bring about the Democrats’ potential takeover of the House, Richmond wrote — in the letter obtained by Politico — “it’s time” for Congress to have an African American in one of the top two leadership positions.
“After 229 years as a Congress, we have never had an African American in either of the top two leadership positions,” he wrote. “It’s time we walk our talk and provide the transformational change our constituents are calling for.”
Both House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD) have already made their intentions to return as speaker and majority leader in election night goes as planned. Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC), the highest ranking black Democrat, told Politico he has no interest in challenging Hoyer or Pelosi for the top posts.
Read the Richmond letter below:
