The Congressional Black Caucus is in an uncomfortable spot.
Two Black lawmakers — Reps. Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.) and Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) — are seeking the ranking member post on the House Oversight Committee. On top of that, neither is the most senior member of the panel, a sticking point for many in a caucus that often places an extremely high premium on seniority. That would be Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.).
And, in a reflection of that awkwardness, few top CBC members will say who they’re backing — at least for now. The Democratic Caucus election for the post will be held on June 24.
“I know, but I don’t have to tell you,” Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) said.
“I have my leanings, of course,” Rep. Greg Meeks (D-N.Y.) added.
“Who’s running?” Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.) joked.
Even Mfume was cagey when asked if he believed he had the support of the majority of the CBC: “I don’t know if I should tell you that.”
There are a ton of clashing dynamics in play here. Mfume is 76 at a time when age is a major factor for the House Democratic Caucus. Crockett, 44, considered deferring to Mfume as the more senior member but ultimately decided to run.
All four candidates, Lynch, Crockett, Mfume and Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), will pitch the CBC on an endorsement next week, though it’s unlikely the CBC will weigh in.
A touchy question. The Oversight faceoff has sparked a broader conversation about the importance of seniority in the Democratic Caucus. Many Black lawmakers believe seniority is essential to ensure they get a chance at top positions.
“Once we get away from seniority, it’s going to be about money, and people of color cannot raise the money that some others can, which means that we won’t get a lot of these positions,” one CBC member said.
But the makeup of the CBC has changed in recent years. Its ranks have skewed younger and many of these members represent districts that don’t have majority Black constituencies.
“I don’t think that we should ever look at someone who’s ready today, who’s the best person for the job and say, ‘Wait, you haven’t been here long enough,’” said Rep. Troy Carter (D-La.). Carter is backing Crockett.
Lynch, first elected in 2001, is the most senior member of the panel seeking the top post. Lynch told us he has CBC support but he declined to name names.
“They think seniority is their future,” he said, “in terms of giving people an opportunity.”
