By Gabby Birenbaum
When Rep. Steven Horsford (D-NV) first joined the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) as a freshman in 2013, then-Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-OH) was the chair of the powerful group of 45 members.
In 2023, as Congress convened Jan. 3, Fudge, now the secretary of Housing and Urban Development, was again presiding over a meeting of the caucus. But this time, she was ceremonially swearing in a record-breaking 58 members, and Horsford – now a seasoned member, with grayer hair and a deeper appreciation for the CBC’s history – was being introduced as its chair.
The Nevadan, who previously served as the CBC’s first vice chair, reflected in his remarks on the legacy of Black congressional representation, the group’s founding in 1971 and productivity over the last two years. As chair, he vowed to commit to the group’s oft-referenced credo to be the “conscience of the Congress.” And he acknowledged the challenges the caucus will face under his leadership, as its House members return to the minority.
“We’ve been working for a half century to make America the best version of itself, improving the legislation that comes out of the body,” he said. “No matter who the speaker is later today, we will make sure that the Congressional Black Caucus is heard.”
With Republican Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) now in place and the House in session, Horsford will begin his work.
Founded by 13 Black Democrats on the heels of the Civil Rights Movement, the caucus, which aims to advocate for the interests of Black Americans, has grown in size and influence over the decades. The organization whose members found themselves on President Richard Nixon’s secret list of political opponents is a firmly entrenched wing of the Democratic Party with representation at the highest levels of leadership. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffires (D-NY) is a member, and the caucus is a valued partner of President Joe Biden’s administration.
As its new chair, Horsford’s charge will be different from that of his past two predecessors, who legislated from the majority and helped deliver the votes for critical aspects of Biden’s agenda, including passage of the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Instead, Horsford’s tenure as chair will focus on ensuring the laws he and other members voted for are properly implemented.
“My number one charge is to work with the Biden-Harris administration and to hold them accountable to making sure that those investments into districts like mine and districts that are represented by the CBC – that we get the benefits of the jobs, the business opportunities, and the direct investment that we intended when we voted for that legislation.”
Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH), the outgoing chair, entered Congress with Horsford in 2013. In a speech at the ceremonial swearing-in, she praised Horsford for his studied and deliberate approach to legislation.
“I pass the torch to … a brother who is steadfast in his commitment to people, especially Black people,” Beatty said. “A Black man that is so strategic that when you sit down with him, you know he’s going to pull out that iPad and start giving you an assignment to do, and a long-term plan, and a short-term goal. And that is just what we need at this time.”
Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC), a former chair, echoed Beatty’s praise in a statement to The Nevada Independent.
“A seasoned legislator and strategic forward thinker, Representative Steven Horsford will make an excellent Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus,” he said. “A proven fighter, Steve will skillfully guide this Caucus, comprised of a historic 58 members, as we continue to push for social and economic justice, equity, and opportunity for our most marginalized communities.”
Horsford brings legislative experience both from his time in Congress, where he has just begun his fourth term, but also from his time in the Nevada state legislature. First elected to the legislature in 2004, Horsford, 49, rose to the rank of Nevada senate majority leader before becoming the state’s first Black congressional representative.
