Cedric Richmond | |
---|---|
Director of the Office of Public Engagement | |
In office January 20, 2021 –May 18, 2022 | |
President | Joe Biden |
Deputy | Adrian Saenz |
Preceded by | Timothy Pataki |
Succeeded by | Keisha Lance Bottoms |
Senior Advisor to the President | |
In office January 20,2021 –May 18,2022 | |
President | Joe Biden |
Preceded by | Jared Kushner Stephen Miller Ivanka Trump |
Succeeded by | Julie Rodriguez Keisha Lance Bottoms |
Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus | |
In office January 3,2017 –January 3,2019 | |
Preceded by | G. K. Butterfield |
Succeeded by | Karen Bass |
Member of the U.S.HouseofRepresentatives from Louisiana's 2nd district | |
In office January 3,2011 –January 15,2021 | |
Preceded by | Joseph Cao |
Succeeded by | Troy Carter |
Member of the LouisianaHouseofRepresentatives from the 101st district | |
In office January 6,2000 –January 3,2011 | |
Preceded by | Naomi White Farve |
Succeeded by | Wesley Bishop |
Personal details | |
Born | Cedric Levan Richmond September 13,1973 New Orleans,Louisiana,U.S. |
Political party | Democratic |
Spouse | Raquel Greenup (m. 2015) |
Children | 1 |
Education | Morehouse College (BA) Tulane University (JD) |
Cedric Levan Richmond (born September 13, 1973) [4] is an American attorney, politician, and political advisor who is serving as senior advisor to the Democratic National Committee. Richmond was previously a senior advisor to the president and director of the White House Office of Public Engagement in the Biden administration. A member of the Democratic Party, he was the U.S. representative for Louisiana's 2nd congressional district from 2011 to 2021. His district included most of New Orleans.
From 2017 to 2019, [5] Richmond chaired the Congressional Black Caucus. [6] [7] Beginning with his third term, he was the only Louisiana Democrat serving in either chamber of Congress. He represented New Orleans to the Louisiana State House from 2000 to 2011. In 2019, he was named the first national co-chair of Joe Biden's 2020 presidential campaign. [8] On September 5, 2020, he was named a co-chair of Biden's presidential transition. [9] [10] On November 17, 2020, Richmond announced he would leave Congress in January 2021 to serve as Senior Advisor to the President and director of the Office of Public Liaison, which Biden renamed the White House Office of Public Engagement. [11] [12] [13]
Richmond was born in New Orleans in 1973 and raised in New Orleans East, where he attended public schools. His father died when he was seven years old. His mother was a public school teacher and small business owner. Richmond graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Morehouse College, and a Juris Doctor from Tulane School of Law. He also completed an executive program at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. [14] While at Morehouse, Richmond played college baseball as a pitcher for the Morehouse Maroon Tigers in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. [15]
Richmond was elected and served as the Louisiana State Representative for the 101st district (Orleans Parish) from 2000 to 2011. [17] He was elected shortly after his 27th birthday and was one of the youngest legislators ever to serve in Louisiana when he took office. He served as the Chairman of the Committee on Judiciary and a member of the Ways and Means, House Executive, and Legislative Audit Advisory committees. [18]
In 2010, Richmond was elected to the US House of Representatives from Louisiana's 2nd congressional district for the first time. He took office in 2011. He was reelected in 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020.
On June 9, 2014, Richmond introduced the Honor Flight Act (H.R. 4812; 113th Congress), a bill that would direct the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to establish a process for providing expedited and dignified passenger screening services for veterans traveling on an Honor Flight to visit war memorials that had been built to honor their service. [19]
That year Richmond defended his Republican colleague Vance McAllister, who had become embroiled in an alleged adultery scandal. It was a rare across-the-aisle gesture. Richmond said that he associated the controversy around McAllister with "gotcha moments" in which the "two parties in this country have gone overboard...and taken joy in the pain of their supposed opponents". [20]
Richmond was one of a few Democrats who voted to authorize the Keystone XL pipeline. [21] He is the fifth-biggest recipient of money from fossil fuel donors among House Democrats. The League of Conservation Voters gave him one of the lowest ratings for any Democrat in Congress. [22]
Richmond has been active in the Congressional Black Caucus, made up of African-American legislators who work together to have their views heard. On November 30, 2016, he was elected chair of the caucus for the 115th United States Congress. [23]
On December 18, 2019, Richmond voted to impeach President Donald Trump. [24]
Richmond came in third place in the seven-candidate primary election for the Democratic nomination for Louisiana's 2nd congressional district, behind U.S. Representative William J. Jefferson and television newscaster Helena Moreno. During a primary debate, Richmond accused Moreno of drug use, and she attacked him based on his disqualification from the 2005 New Orleans City Council "D" district election. [25]
Later in 2008, the Louisiana Supreme Court suspended Richmond's law license for six months in a 5–2 decision. It found that he had falsified a sworn statement claiming more than two years of residency in New Orleans's "D" district in order to be eligible for the district's city council seat. [26]
Richmond challenged Republican incumbent Anh “Joseph” Cao for Louisiana's 2nd congressional district . Richmond was the first candidate in the 2010 elections to have President Barack Obama appear in a television ad on his behalf. [27]
Most analysts considered Richmond a strong favorite to retake this seat for the Democrats, even in what was forecast to be a Republican year nationally. With a Cook Partisan Voting Index of D+25, the 2nd was the most Democratic district in the country to be represented by a Republican. In 2008 Obama had carried it with 74% of the vote, his fifth-best performance in a Southern district and his 35th best nationally.
Richmond won the November 2 election with 65% of the vote. [28]
Richmond's campaign received almost $113,000 from the oil and gas sector, which donated more than any other sector to his campaign. [21] He was reelected with 63.6% of the vote.
In January 2017, Richmond became involved in an argument with Republican lawmakers over whether a particular painting should continue to hang in the Capitol. The painting in question shows police officers apprehending suspects, and the police are depicted as pigs. It was painted by someone from Richmond's district who had won a local award, and Republicans objected to it. [30] Richmond said that escalating the issue might "open up Pandora's Box" because there are other paintings that some people might also find offensive. [31]
In March 2017, Richmond was criticized for making a crude joke about a controversial photograph of Kellyanne Conway kneeling on the Oval Office couch. Richmond appeared to compare Conway to Monica Lewinsky, saying, "I really just want to know what was going on there, because she really looked kind of familiar there in that position there. But don't answer. And I don't want you to refer back to the '90s." Richmond later said the joke was not meant to be sexual. [32] "Since some people have interpreted my joke to mean something that it didn't I think it is important to clarify what I meant", he said in a statement. "Where I grew up saying that someone is looking or acting 'familiar' simply means that they are behaving too comfortably." [32]
Richmond played in the annual Congressional Baseball Game. He was the starting Democratic pitcher for each of the five years since his election and the Democrats won each game. He had a 2.85 earned run average, 1.67 walks plus hits per inning pitched and 45 strikeouts in his 27 innings pitched in that span. In 2016 Republican team manager Joe Barton called him the best player to ever participate in the game. [33] Richmond lost his first game in 2016, a day after participating through the night in the 2016 United States House of Representatives sit-in. [15]
Richmond was a national co-chair of the Joe Biden 2020 presidential campaign. [34] On November 17, 2020, he announced that he would join the Biden administration as Senior Advisor to the President and director of the White House Office of Public Liaison. [11] [12] His resignation became official on January 15, 2021. [35] His departure triggered a 2021 special election. [36] Justice Democrats criticized Richmond's appointment, alleging that he was one of the top Democratic recipients of donations from the fossil fuel industry. [37]
In an interview before Biden's swearing-in, Richmond noted his potential work in reaching out to conservatives in different parts of the country. [38] Richmond was reportedly working with the Biden administration on addressing reparations for slavery. [39]
Richmond resigned from the White House on May 18, 2022, for a job at the Democratic National Committee. [40] [41]
U.S. Representative, 2nd Congressional District November Election, 2016 [42]
Candidate | Affiliation | Support | Outcome |
---|---|---|---|
Kenneth Cutno | Democratic | 28,855 (10%) | Defeated |
Melvin Holden | Democratic | 57,125 (20%) | Defeated |
Cedric Richmond | Democratic | 198,289 (70%) | Won |
U.S. Representative, 2nd Congressional District-November Election, 2014 [42]
Candidate | Affiliation | Support | Outcome |
---|---|---|---|
David Brooks | No Party | 16,327 (7%) | Defeated |
Samuel Davenport | Libertarian | 15,237 (7%) | Defeated |
Gary Landrieu | Democratic | 37,805 (17%) | Defeated |
Cedric Richmond | Democratic | 152,201 (69%) | Won |
U.S. Representative, 2nd Congressional District-November Election, 2012 [42]
Candidate | Affiliation | Support | Outcome |
---|---|---|---|
Josue Larose | Republican | 11,345 (4%) | Defeated |
Caleb Trotter | Libertarian | 6,791 (2%) | Defeated |
Dwayne Bailey | Republican | 38,801 (14%) | Defeated |
Gary Landrieu | Democratic | 71,916 (25%) | Defeated |
Cedric Richmond | Democratic | 158,501 (55%) | Won |
U.S. Representative, 2nd Congressional District-Democratic Party, 2010 [43] August 28, 2010
Candidate | Affiliation | Support | Outcome |
---|---|---|---|
Eugene Green | Democratic | 2,497 (10%) | Defeated |
Gary Johnson | Democratic | 1,911 (8%) | Defeated |
Juan LaFonta | Democratic | 5,166 (21%) | Defeated |
Cedric Richmond | Democratic | 14,622 (60%) | Won |
U.S. Representative, 2nd Congressional District-Democratic Party, 2008 [43]
Threshold > 50%
First Ballot, November 2, 2004
Candidate | Affiliation | Support | Outcome |
---|---|---|---|
James Carter | Democratic | 9,286 (13%) | Defeated |
Troy "C" Carter | Democratic | 5,797 (8%) | Defeated |
William J. Jefferson | Democratic | 17,510 (25%) | Run-off |
Byron L. Lee | Democratic | 8,979 (13%) | Defeated |
Helena Moreno | Democratic | 13,795 (20%) | Run-off |
Cedric Richmond | Democratic | 12,095 (17%) | Defeated |
Kenya J. H. Smith | Democratic | 1,749 (3%) | Defeated |
Louisiana State Representative, 101st District, 2007 [43]
October 20, 2007
Candidate | Affiliation | Support | Outcome |
---|---|---|---|
Cedric L. Richmond | Democratic | 2,944 (73%) | Elected |
Roland Barthe | Democratic | 1,107 (27%) | Defeated |
Louisiana State Representative, 101st District, 2003 [43]
October 4, 2003
Candidate | Affiliation | Support | Outcome |
---|---|---|---|
Cedric Richmond | Democratic | 6,943 (78%) | Elected |
Willie Jones Jr. | Democratic | 1,906 (22%) | Defeated |
Louisiana State Representative, 101st District, 1999 [43]
Threshold > 50%
First Ballot, October 23, 1999
Candidate | Affiliation | Support | Outcome |
---|---|---|---|
Wesley T. Bishop | Democratic | 1,241 (14%) | Defeated |
Naomi White Farve | Democratic | 1,835 (21%) | Defeated |
Cedric Richmond | Democratic | 3,480 (40%) | Run-off |
Eddie Scott | Democratic | 2,119 (24%) | Run-off |
Second Ballot, November 20, 1999
Candidate | Affiliation | Support | Outcome |
---|---|---|---|
Cedric Richmond | Democratic | 3,980 (63%) | Elected |
Eddie Scott | Democratic | 2,361 (37%) | Defeated |
The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) is made up of Black members of the United States Congress. Representative Steven Horsford from Nevada, the current chairperson, succeeded Joyce Beatty from Ohio in 2023. Although most members belong to the Democratic Party, the CBC founders envisioned it as a non-partisan organization, and there have been several instances of bipartisan collaboration with Republicans.
William Jennings Jefferson is an American former politician from Louisiana whose career ended after his corruption scandal and conviction. He served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for nine terms from 1991 to 2009 as a member of the Democratic Party. He represented Louisiana's 2nd congressional district, which includes much of the greater New Orleans area. He was elected as the state's first black congressman since the end of Reconstruction.
David Conner Treen Sr. was an American politician and attorney from Louisiana. A member of the Republican Party, Treen served as U.S. Representative for Louisiana's 3rd congressional district from 1973 to 1980 and the 51st governor of Louisiana from 1980 to 1984. Treen was the first Republican elected to either office since Reconstruction.
Louisiana's 2nd congressional district contains nearly all of the city of New Orleans and stretches west and north to Baton Rouge. The district is currently represented by Democrat Troy Carter. With a Cook Partisan Voting Index rating of D+25, it is the only Democratic district in Louisiana.
Stephen Joseph Scalise is an American politician who has been serving as the House majority leader since 2023 and the U.S. representative for Louisiana's 1st congressional district since 2008. A member of the Republican Party, he served as the House majority whip from 2014 to 2019 and the House minority whip 2019 to 2023.
Karen Carter Peterson is an American lawyer and former politician who served as a member of the Louisiana State House from 1999 to 2010, then as the state senator from the 5th district until her resignation in 2022. She also served as the chair of the Louisiana Democratic Party from 2012 to 2020, becoming the first female chair of the state party. In 2008, Peterson became as Democratic National Committeewoman for Louisiana. In 2017, Peterson was elected vice chair of civic engagement and voter participation for the Democratic National Committee.
Ánh Quang "Joseph" Cao is a Vietnamese-American politician who was the U.S. representative for Louisiana's 2nd congressional district from 2009 to 2011. A member of the Republican Party, he is the first Vietnamese American and first native of Vietnam to serve in Congress.
Troy Anthony Carter Sr. is an American politician serving as the U.S. representative for Louisiana's 2nd congressional district since 2021. He was previously a member of the Louisiana State Senate for the 7th district. A member of the Democratic Party, Carter also previously served on the New Orleans City Council and as a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives. He is currently the only Democrat in Louisiana's congressional delegation.
Elections were held on November 2, 2010, to determine Louisiana's seven members of the United States House of Representatives. Representatives were elected for two-year terms to serve in the 112th United States Congress from January 3, 2011, until January 3, 2013. Primary elections were held on August 28, 2010, and a runoff election for the Republican Party nomination in the 3rd district took place on October 2, 2010.
Juan Anthony LaFonta is a New Orleans personal injury attorney and former Democratic State Representative for Louisiana representing Louisiana House District 96. He was elected in 2005 during a special election and was unopposed in his 2007 re-election. He runs Juan Lafonta and Associates, L.L.C.
The 2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Louisiana were held on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 and elected the six U.S. representatives from the state of Louisiana, one from each of the state's six congressional districts, a loss of one seat following reapportionment according to the results of the 2010 census. The elections coincided with elections for other federal and state offices, including a quadrennial presidential election. A jungle primary took place on November 6, with a runoff, if necessary, scheduled for December 8.
Garret Neal Graves is an American politician serving as the United States representative from Louisiana's 6th congressional district since 2015. He is a member of the Republican Party. After redistricting dismantled his district, he declined to run for re-election in 2024.
The 117th United States Congress was a meeting of the legislative branch of the United States federal government, composed of the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives. It convened in Washington, D.C., on January 3, 2021, during the final weeks of Donald Trump's first presidency and the first two years of Joe Biden's presidency and ended on January 3, 2023.
The 2016 United States House of Representatives elections in Louisiana were held on November 8, 2016, to elect the six U.S. representatives from the state of Louisiana, one from each of the state's six congressional districts. The elections coincided with the 2016 U.S. presidential election, as well as other elections to the House of Representatives, elections to the United States Senate and various state and local elections.
The 2021 United States elections were held in large part on Tuesday, November 2, 2021. This off-year election included the regular gubernatorial elections in New Jersey and Virginia. In addition, state legislative elections were held for the New Jersey Legislature and Virginia House of Delegates, along with numerous state legislative special elections, citizen initiatives, mayoral races, and a variety of other local elections. Six special elections to the United States House of Representatives also took place on November 2 or earlier as a result of either deaths or vacancies. The first of these was held on March 20.
The 2020 United States House of Representatives elections in Louisiana were held on November 3, 2020, to elect the six U.S. representatives from the state of Louisiana, one from each of the state's six congressional districts. The elections coincided with other elections to the House of Representatives, elections to the United States Senate, and various state and local elections.
The 2022 United States House of Representatives elections in Louisiana were held on November 8, 2022, to elect the six U.S. representatives from the state of Louisiana, one from each of the state's six congressional districts. The elections coincided with other elections to the House of Representatives, elections to the United States Senate and various state and local elections.
There were six special elections to the United States House of Representatives in 2021 during the 117th United States Congress.
The 2021 Louisiana's 2nd congressional district special election was held on March 20, 2021, with a runoff being held on April 24, 2021.
The 2023 Louisiana gubernatorial election was held on October 14, 2023 to elect the governor of Louisiana. Incumbent Governor John Bel Edwards was term-limited and could not seek re-election to a third consecutive term in office. This race was one of two Democratic-held governorships up for election in 2023 in a state that voted for Donald Trump in 2020.
The painting has inflamed tensions on Capitol Hill between the two parties. The Hill asked Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-La.), chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, if the painting would need someone to monitor it around the clock to prevent further removals. "No," Richmond replied. "We might just have to kick somebody's ass and stop them, though."
Richmond said any escalation of the issue might "open up Pandora's Box." "I'm looking at some paintings that people could probably find some offense to," he said. "So you just open up Pandora's Box to, I think, anarchy when it comes to the art around this building." "I think it would be a bad move. I think politically it would be an awful move to do that," he continued.