Democratic congresswoman Marcia Fudge, who last month complained that black people are only ever considered to lead agencies such as the Department of Housing and Urban Development, was tapped by President-elect Joe Biden on Tuesday to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
In the immediate aftermath of last month's election, the former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus began lobbying to head up the Department of Agriculture. In her pitch to Politico she said she had been "very loyal" and stated her belief that only certain agencies were viewed as appropriate spots for black leadership.
"As this country becomes more and more diverse, we're going to have to stop looking at only certain agencies as those that people like me fit in," Fudge told Politico. "You know, it's always ‘we want to put the Black person in labor or HUD.'"
Fudge has not commented on reports that Biden has selected her to head the agency.
Fudge’s elevation to the cabinet slot would open up the House seat she's held since 2008, briefly shrinking an already narrow Democratic majority. It is unlikely the special election to replace Fudge will be competitive—a Republican hasn't represented Ohio's 11th district in three decades.