US Lawmaker Condemned for Racist Comment About Hakeem Jeffries A top Democratic leader in the U.S. House of Representatives, Hakeem Jeffries, has faced backlash after a fellow lawmaker endorsed a racially charged remark about him. The controversy erupted when Republican Representative Jen Kiggans, during a conservative radio show, supported a comment by host Rich Herrera that mocked Jeffries for his involvement in redistricting efforts in Virginia. Herrera’s remark, which included the phrase “get your cotton-picking hands off of Virginia,” was widely interpreted as a racist reference to the historical exploitation of enslaved Black labor in Southern cotton plantations. Kiggans later denied endorsing the comment, arguing she was merely agreeing with the broader sentiment that Democrats should not meddle in Virginia’s electoral map. However, Jeffries’ spokesperson condemned Kiggans’ stance, calling the use of the phrase “disgusting, vile and racist” and accusing her of opposing progress toward a multiracial democracy. The incident has intensified calls for Kiggans to resign, with prominent Democrats including Minority Whip Katherine Clark and California Governor Gavin Newsom urging her to step down. The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) amplified the controversy by sharing a clip of the radio exchange on social media, stating that Kiggans’ agreement with Herrera’s comment was both racist and warranted a resignation. The CBC’s message underscored the broader debate over redistricting and its implications for racial equity in voting rights. The dispute comes amid a nationwide struggle over partisan gerrymandering, particularly in the lead-up to the November midterm elections.#congressional_black_caucus #hakeem_jeffries #jen_kiggans #rich_herrera #voting_rights_act
Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., Announces Bid for 18th Term in Congress Rep. Jim Clyburn, a 85-year-old Democratic congressman from South Carolina, has announced he will seek re-election for his 18th term in the U.S. House of Representatives. The decision marks a departure from two other prominent Democratic leaders, Nancy Pelosi and Steny Hoyer, who have both opted to retire. Clyburn made the announcement during a speech to supporters at the South Carolina Democratic Party headquarters in Columbia, stating he would soon sign the necessary paperwork to qualify for the Democratic nomination. Clyburn, first elected to Congress in 1992, has long been a key figure in Democratic politics. His career began alongside the rise of Bill Clinton, who became president that same year. Clyburn quickly rose through the ranks, serving as co-president of his freshman congressional class and later as chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus from 1999 to 2001. He joined the Democratic leadership team as vice chairman and later chairman of the House Democratic Caucus. When Democrats gained control of the House in 2006, Clyburn was elected majority whip, the third-highest leadership position. For the next 16 years, he shared the top leadership roles with Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Steny Hoyer. However, as younger Democrats pushed for generational change, Clyburn stepped down from his leadership role in 2022, allowing Rep. Joe Neguse to assume the position. Clyburn has been a central figure in South Carolina’s Democratic Party, often referred to as a “kingmaker” for his influence over the state’s primary voters. His support was instrumental in former President Joe Biden’s 2020 Democratic presidential primary victory.#rep_jim_clyburn #south_carolina_democratic_party #congressional_black_caucus #house_democratic_caucus #world_famous_fish_fry
