By: Aaron Allen
Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) was recently elected by her colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) to serve as Secretary during the 119th Congress.
Strickland, who served as the CBC Whip during the 118th Congress, will serve alongside incoming Chair Rep. Yvette Clarke (NY-09), First Vice Chair Rep. Troy Carter (LA-02), Second Vice Chair Rep. Lucy McBath (GA-07), and Whip Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) as part of the CBC leadership in the upcoming congressional session.
Created in 1971 to bring forth legislation and policy that ensured equal rights, opportunity, and access to Black Americans and other marginalized communities, the CBC is widely known as the “conscience of the Congress” and has a longstanding history of effective policymaking and advocacy to address the needs of African Americans and other marginalized communities across the country.
This year, the caucus will have a record 62 members representing districts as diverse as America. As Secretary, Strickland will work to ensure that the Caucus is united in the fight for equitable access to housing, education, jobs, healthcare, and justice for every American.
“We (the CBC) are now larger than we ever have been in the history of congress with 62 members representing just about every corner of the country,” says Strickland. “I tell folks that we are in majority, minority districts. We are in districts that are predominantly White, so really representing the entire spectrum of the United States. It’s very exciting. I served as whip in the 118th Congress and now I will serve as Secretary in the 119th which basically means I’m part of the five-member executive board.”
Strickland expressed her enthusiasm for the new role, outlining her priorities for the 119th Congress. These include addressing critical issues such as housing, job creation, healthcare, and justice while taking a strong stance against initiatives like Project 2025.
“The way you’re able to be successful in Congress is, you know, obviously, we do not have the House majority, we do not control the White House, and we don’t control the Senate. And so, the next two years will be spent doing a couple things: doing everything we can to continue to put forward our priorities—building wealth for African Americans, focusing on housing, jobs, justice, and health care—but also pushing back against Project 2025,” Strickland said. “And so, we’re going to be on defense against Project 2025, but also on offense to deliver for our district and to make Hakeem Jeffries the Speaker in 2026.”
As Democrats grapple with the challenges following significant losses in the 2024 election, including the presidential race, Strickland is focused on resilience and proactive measures for future success. She underscores the importance of vigilance and adaptation in the African American community.
“It’s about staying vigilant and paying close attention to the things that Donald Trump and the new majority are proposing to do,” she said. “I tell folks that regardless of who is in power, I will always strive to deliver for the district and work across the aisle when it’s possible. And at the same time, we have to stand firm for our values. This is about voting rights, rights of citizens to get fair and equal access to housing, jobs, education, justice—all those things.”
Colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus have praised Strickland’s dedication and leadership, including Congressman Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi’s 2nd District, who extended his congratulations and spoke about Strickland’s inspirational vision.
“Congratulations on your election to the Black Caucus Executive Board,” said Thompson. “Your vision and commitment inspire us all.”
Strickland, reflecting on her journey to Congress, shared her perspective on leadership and the opportunities it brings to serve her district, state, and nation.
“When I first ran for Congress, I was just really focused on winning my race and continuing to deliver for my district. In the long time I’ve been in public service, I would say that getting to the House of Representatives really also shows that there are opportunities that exist if you’re willing to pursue them,” says Strickland. “Every leadership opportunity that I’m pursuing—whether it is as Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus or my role as a Chief Deputy Whip for the entire House Democratic Caucus—those are all in pursuit of delivering for my district, but also for the entire state of Washington and for our nation.”
“I am honored and grateful to my CBC colleagues for their trust and support,” she added. “I look forward to leveraging our power to achieve our goals in the 119th Congress.”