Members of the Congressional Black Caucus reportedly are pushing for an African-American lawmaker at the top of House leadership if Democrats win back the majority Tuesday— setting up a battle on the left.
CBC head Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-La., on Thursday circulated a "Dear Colleague" letter— first reported by Politico and obtained by The Hill — outlining the group's call for a black lawmaker to occupy either the No. 1 or No. 2 spot in the leadership structure.
The Democratic leadership elections are scheduled for Nov. 28.
"After 229 years as a Congress, we have never had an African American in either of the top two leadership positions," Richmond wrote, The Hill reported. "It's time we walk our talk and provide the transformational change our constituents are calling for."
The letter does not explicitly endorse Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., currently the No. 3 House Democrat. But The Hill reported there is support for him to become the first black speaker of the House — and provide a bridge to a younger and more diverse leadership.
Minority Leader Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Minority Whip Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md., however, are expected to run for speaker and majority leader, respectively, if Democrats take back the majority.
Clyburn has said he would only run for speaker if Pelosi cannot secure the votes — and he has not indicated if he would challenge Hoyer, The Hill reported.
Pelosi, meanwhile, has promised to serve as a "transitional" speaker — a subtle message, The Hill reported, she intends to be the bridge to the next generation.
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