For the First Time in History, Two African Americans will Hold Top Leadership Positions in Congress

Congressional Black Caucus Member Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-08) has been elected chair of the Democratic Caucus, and Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn (D-SC-06) was elected Majority Whip, making it the first time in history that two African Americans will hold top leadership positions in Congress at the same time. In response to these elections, the Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congressman Cedric L. Richmond (D-LA-02), released the following statement:

“When the Congressional Black Caucus was founded in 1971, I know our 13 founding members dreamed of the day when we would have more than one member in our ranks competing for top leadership positions in Congress. Today was that day, and I know they are proud.

“When Congresswoman Barbara Lee and Congressman Hakeem Jeffries articulated to our colleagues why they were the best candidate for Democratic Caucus chair, it was one of the best displays of black brilliance that I have seen in a long time. The unfortunate part of their race against each other was that one of them had to lose.

“I congratulate Congressman Jeffries on being elected Democratic Caucus chair; he has more than demonstrated during his time in Congress that he is ready to lead in this position.

“I also congratulate Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn on being elected Majority Whip. There are few Democrats who have done more than Assistant Democratic Leader Clyburn to mentor young members of Congress and make sure that Democrats win elections.

“When former congressman George Henry White, the last African-American congressman to leave Congress before the Jim Crow Era, left office in 1901, he said in his famous farewell address, ‘This is perhaps the Negroes' temporary farewell to the American Congress, but let me say, Phoenix-like he will rise up some day and come again.’

“Next Congress, the CBC will have 55 members, including two who will be in top leadership positions and five who will chair full House committees – former congressman George Henry White was right, and the Phoenix has risen.”

Rep. Cedric Richmond elected chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Louisiana Democratic Rep. Cedric Richmond has been elected chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus.

The three-term lawmaker will take over for the current chairman, Rep. G.K. Butterfield, D-N.C., in January when a new Congress is sworn in.

The 43-year-old Richmond has a reputation of working with Democrats and Republicans.

Butterfield says he is confident Richmond will provide strong leadership. Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland says the CBC is the “conscience of the Congress” and says Richmond will bring energy to the job.

The CBC filled out its leadership ranks with Reps. Andre Carson, D-Ind., Karen Bass, D-Calif., Brenda Lawrence, D-Mich., and Gwen Moore, D-Wis.

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Tim Scott re-elected to the U.S. Senate

U.S. Senator Tim Scott (Republican, South Carolina)) has been re-elected to the U.S. Senate by the voters of South Carolina. Senator Scott defeated Thomas Dixon and two other with Democrats with 60.5% of the vote. This will be Scott first full term as a senator.

ELECTION RESULTS:

CANDIDATE PARTY VOTES PCT.

Tim Scott* Republican 1,228,844 60.5%

Thomas Dixon Democrat 752,001 37.0

Bill Bledsoe Constitution 37,124 1.8

Rebel Michael Scarborough American Party 11,861 0.6

Donald Payne Jr. Re-elected to Congress

New Jersey Congressman Donald Payne Jr. (DEM) has been re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for a third term as the Representative of New Jersey's 10th Congressional District. Payne demolished his Republican challenger David Pinckney and three others with over 86% of the vote making his margin of victory the largest in the state of N.J. Congrats to Congressman Payne.

ELECTION RESULTS:

Payne Jr., Donald Dem 179,082 86%

Pinckney, David GOP 24,628 12%

Miller, Joanne Ind 3,406 2%

Fraser, Aaron Ind 1,609 1%

Bonnie Watson Coleman re-elected to congress

New Jersey Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (Dem) won re-election to her congressional seat representing N.J. 12th District for a second term. She handily defeated Republican Steven Uccio and 5 other challenger withe over 63% of the vote.

ELECTION RESULTS:

Watson Coleman, Bonnie (i) Dem 160,851 63%

Uccio, Steven GOP 83,049 32%

Forchion, Edward Ind 5,420 2%

Shapiro, Robert Ind 2,496 1%

Fitzpatrick, Thomas Lib 2,202 1%

Welzer, Steven Grn 1,854 1%

Bollentin, Michael Ind 1,148 0%