Morehouse College graduate, U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond, (D-LA), was elected as chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Wednesday.

He will lead the largest assembly of the CBC in the history of the political alliance — 49 members.

Richmond, a 1995 Morehouse graduate, will assume leadership in January. He replaces outgoing Chairman G.K. Butterfield, (D-NC).

“I’m honored and humbled by the confidence my colleagues have placed in me to serve as chair of this revered caucus, the conscience and intellect of the Congress,” Richmond said in a statement. “As we move into a new Congress, and the onset of a new [presidential] administration, our caucus will remain committed to the values that have made the CBC among the most influential institutions in the nation.”

Richmond is the first Morehouse College alumnus to be elected as chair of the CBC.

Morehouse College President Dr. John Silvanus Wilson, Jr. said Richmond’s leadership will provide much needed comfort to the black community in the wake of a new presidential administration.

“The election of Congressman Richmond exemplifies how Morehouse Men have continued the legacy of leading consequential lives,” Wilson said.

Keep Reading

Constituent Services Director Vesna Kurspahic helps a student with his service academy application at U.S. Rep. Rich McCormick’s office in Cumming, Ga., on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. Kurspahic is constituent services director for Congressman Rich McCormick. During the government shutdown, she is handling a caseload of roughly 250 requests without receiving any salary. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com

Featured

Corbin Spencer, right, field director of New Georgia Project and volunteer Rodney King, left, help Rueke Uyunwa register to vote. The influential group is shutting down after more than a decade. (Hyosub Shin/AJC 2017)

Credit: Hyosub Shin