Yvette Clarke announces bid for Congressional Black Caucus Chair

Congresswoman Yvette Clarke has announced her candidacy to become the 29th chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), succeeding Rep. Steven Horsford if elected. Clarke, currently serving as the caucus’s first vice-chair, has been considered a frontrunner for the role.

Since 2007, she has represented New York’s 9th Congressional District, covering Brooklyn. Clarke’s political journey began in 2001 when she was elected to the New York City Council. In Congress, she sits on the House Committees on Homeland Security and Energy and Commerce.

It is unclear if Clarke will face opposition in the CBC elections.

Founded in 1971 with 13 members, the CBC has grown to 60 members across the House and Senate. The caucus, set to wield greater influence as the GOP gains a slim House majority, demonstrated its sway recently by blocking the American Privacy Rights Act after the removal of civil rights protections.

Clarke has pledged to deliver on the CBC’s mission if elected, emphasizing vigilance and community upliftment. She also plays a key role in privacy and technology legislation, serving on the House’s bipartisan AI task force and advocating for measures such as banning biometric recognition in public housing and addressing bias in AI systems.

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman of New Jersey endorsed Clarke, praising her leadership and commitment to Black women and girls, expressing confidence in her ability to lead the CBC through challenges ahead.