CBC pushes back on Slotkin’s call for ‘new leadership’ among Democrats

House CBC pushes back on Slotkin’s call for ‘new leadership’ among Democrats Comments: by Sarah Davis - 06/27/26 11:32 AM ET Comments: Link copied by Sarah Davis - 06/27/26 11:32 AM ET Comments: Link copied

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The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) expressed its support for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) on Friday evening in response to Sen. Elissa Slotkin’s (D-Mich.) call for “new leadership” in the Democratic Party.

“The Congressional Black Caucus and House Democrats are united behind Leader Jeffries and remain focused on lowering costs for working families, defending our democracy, protecting fundamental rights, and taking back the House majority this November — not engaging in distractions that only serve to divide Democrats at a moment when unity and resolve are essential,” CBC Chair Yvette D. Clarke (D-N.Y.) and former chairs, Reps. Steven Horsford (D-Nev.) and Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), said in a joint statement shared on social media.

During a Wednesday appearance on SiriusXM’s “Straight Shooter” podcast, Slotkin discussed the debate over a “path forward” for Democrats.

“That’s why I believe we need significant new leadership,” the Democratic senator told host Stephen A. Smith. “The old models are no longer working, and that includes the Democratic Party.”

The CBC criticized Slotkin’s comments and cited her record of voting to approve multiple members of President Trump’s Cabinet, including former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

“Before attempting to weigh in on House Democratic leadership, Senator Slotkin should account for her own role in enabling a racist administration whose policies have caused profound harm to the safety, security, and economic well-being of the Black communities that we represent,” the CBC said in their statement.

The caucus inaccurately stated that Slotkin voted to confirm former U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. The Michigan Democrat voted against Bondi’s nomination last February, Senate voting records show. The Hill has reached out to the CBC to clarify the error.

Slotkin’s comments follow a March report from The Wall Street Journal that three other Democratic senators had pushed to oust Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) over frustrations with his leadership and approach to the midterm elections.

Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair Ken Martin is also facing an issue of internal fighting within the party ahead of the November elections.

Despite perceived divisions within the party as democratic socialists and more progressive candidates rack up campaign wins, Jeffries and other Democrats have brushed off the concerns.