Black Caucus faces internal pressure to stay out of races for panel leaders — a bad signal for one of their own
The powerful Congressional Black Caucus is under intense pressure from within to refrain from endorsing any candidates in contested committee leader races — including one of their own.
Several members stood up during the Black Caucus meeting Wednesday afternoon to argue against the group formally endorsing any Democrats in the contested races and instead allow Democratic caucus members to make their own choices, according to two people familiar with the meeting who were granted anonymity to discuss a closed-door event. Such a move would signal a stunning shift for the group, especially if it refrains from backing ailing House Agriculture ranking member Rep. David Scott (D-Ga.).
Black Caucus members left the Wednesday meeting without making a decision on the endorsement matter, according to the two people. Asked later about the timing of endorsements for the ranking member contests, incoming Black Caucus chair Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.) said they were still being decided.