Barbara Lee announces bid for Democratic Caucus chair
Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) on Monday jumped into the race to replace outgoing Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-N.Y.) atop the House Democratic Caucus, setting the stage for a contest that’s sure to highlight the thorny questions of identity politics swirling around the party as many lawmakers clamor for change heading into the 2020 presidential cycle.
In a letter to her colleagues, Lee is vowing to spread power to a greener crop of lawmakers, many of whom have been frustrated by the long tenure of the current leaders.
“Our caucus is at its best when everyone has an opportunity to contribute and collaborate,” Lee wrote. “My top priority will be offering new ways to engage all members.”
The caucus chairmanship position opened up last month after the shocking primary defeat of Crowley, a popular 10-term lawmaker who was seen by many Democrats as a potential heir to Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). His unexpected loss to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a 28-year-old democratic socialist and first-time candidate, means his leadership position will be up for grabs next year.
Lee, 72, will face Rep. Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.), 49, a former head of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus who announced her bid for the post last week and edged out Lee by two votes in 2016 to become caucus vice chair. Others are also thought to be eying the race in the wake of Crowley’s loss.
If Lee secures the post, the former head of the Congressional Black Caucus would be the first African-American woman in either party to hold a House leadership post.
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