House Democrats need only a five-seat swing right now to reclaim the majority in November. If the party succeeds, the leaders of the Democrats’ intra-caucus coalitions could be key to governing the next Congress. Here’s who’s set to take the reins:
Congressional Progressive Caucus: Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas) seems ready to take over from CPC Chair Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) atop the influential leftist bloc next year. Casar, who is still a freshman, is currently the group’s whip.
Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), the CPC deputy chair, told us she isn’t running for chair. “No,” Omar said last week. “Greg is.”
When we asked Casar, the Texas Democrat didn’t rule it out but said he is hoping to discuss his plans with his colleagues before he formally decides to run.
“I’m committed to talking to every CPC member about the future of our caucus before making any further comments on this,” Casar told us.
New Democrat Coalition: With Rep. Annie Kuster (D-N.H.) retiring, Reps. Sharice Davids (D-Kan.) and Brad Schneider (D-Ill.) are battling to be the next chair of the pro-business, center-left group.
Davids, who was an MMA fighter and former Frontliner, was elected in 2018 and has consistently outperformed national Democrats in her seat. Schneider first arrived in Congress after flipping a red seat in 2012 and has emerged as a key voice on foreign policy.
We’ll have much more on this race next week, featuring interviews with both candidates.
Congressional Hispanic Caucus: CHC Deputy Chair Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.) is favored to succeed current Chair Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.). Here’s what Espaillat said when we asked if he was running:
Several other CHC members we asked about the race said it’s unlikely Espaillat will be challenged.
Congressional Black Caucus: Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.) is the favorite to chair the CBC next Congress.
Clarke currently is the caucus’ first vice chair and previously served as the group’s whip.
