WASHINGTON (AP) — Louisiana Democratic Rep. Cedric Richmond has been elected chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus.
The three-term lawmaker will take over for the current chairman, Rep. G.K. Butterfield, D-N.C., in January when a new Congress is sworn in.
The 43-year-old Richmond has a reputation of working with Democrats and Republicans.
Butterfield says he is confident Richmond will provide strong leadership. Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland says the CBC is the "conscience of the Congress" and says Richmond will bring energy to the job.
The CBC filled out its leadership ranks with Reps. Andre Carson, D-Ind., Karen Bass, D-Calif., Brenda Lawrence, D-Mich., and Gwen Moore, D-Wis.
Mayor Mitch Landrieu issued the following statement congratulating U.S. Representative Cedric Richmond, 2nd Congressional District of Louisiana, after being elected Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus:
"Congratulations to our Congressman Cedric Richmond on being elected Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus today. This is more good news for our city. As New Orleans Mayor and incoming president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, I look forward to partnering with Congressman Richmond and House Majority Whip Congressman Steve Scalise to ensure Greater New Orleans residents continue to have leaders working on the national level to improve public safety, grow jobs and rebuild our aging infrastructure."
