Jamaican-American Congresswoman Yvette Clarke has been elected Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), making history as the 29th person to hold the position.
Elected unopposed, Clarke will officially assume her role in January 2025, leading the caucus through the 119th Congress.
Clarke, a senior member of the Energy and Commerce and Homeland Security Committees, previously served as First Vice Chair during the 118th Congress. In that role, she championed key issues such as education, healthcare, housing, environmental justice, and public safety, focusing on addressing disparities in underserved communities.
“I want to thank my peers for electing me to serve as chair,” said Clarke. “In my capacity as chair, I will ensure that our caucus’ goals are accomplished by focusing on voting rights, education, criminal justice reform, women’s rights, healthcare equity, and economic equality. We must be vigilant in addressing policies to uplift our community and keep our promises.”
Clarke also highlighted the CBC’s growing influence, noting that it will have a record 62 members in the upcoming Congress, including, for the first time, two Black women serving in the Senate. “Our diversity is our strength, and our unity is our power,” she said.
Clarke emphasized the caucus’ role as a “conscience of Congress,” committed to resisting extremist ideologies such as Project 2025 and advancing policies that benefit the Black diaspora. “We must use every legislative and communicative tool to oppose harmful agendas and fight for a pathway forward,” she added.
New CBC leadership team
Joining Clarke on the CBC Executive Committee for the 119th Congress are:
- First Vice Chair: Rep. Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-2)
- Second Vice Chair: Rep. Lucy McBath (GA-7)
- Secretary: Rep. Marilyn Strickland (WA-10)
- Whip: Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37)
Outgoing Chair reflects on legacy
Outgoing Chair Steven Horsford congratulated Clarke and the new leadership team, praising their ability to lead during critical times. Reflecting on his tenure, Horsford highlighted the CBC’s achievements and its historic growth.
“Fifty-three years after our Caucus’ founding, our work to improve the lives and conditions of Black people in America is more important than ever before,” said Horsford. “I could not be prouder to pass the baton to Representative Yvette Clarke. She will carry on the legacy of the CBC and ensure we push back against the erosion of fundamental rights while building a future where everyone can thrive.”
As Clarke takes on this historic role, she is poised to lead the CBC with a renewed focus on justice, equity, and the advancement of policies that support Black communities across the nation.
