Massachusetts Rep. Katherine Clark will make history as the first woman to become congressional majority leader, the leader of House Democrats said Wednesday. Hakeem Jeffries, who was expected to be elected the next House speaker after Democrats won strongly in the 2026 midterm elections, introduced Clark at a news conference as “the next House majority leader” and “someone who will be the first woman to hold that position in our 250-year journey.” Ed Markey. The 63-year-old said she was proud to “make history” as part of the new majority. “In the words of the great Dolly Parton, it’s been a long, hard fight, but I see a new day dawning,” Clark said. U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. SAUL LOEB /AFP via Getty Images Clark has been outspoken on child care issues, introducing the Babies Act of 2022 to help new mothers have more access to birthing centers and midwives. He also criticized President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” last year, calling it “incredibly cruel” for making cuts to Medicaid and food stamps. Clark still needs to be elected by her House colleagues to become majority leader in the new Congress. He said Wednesday that Americans trust his party to do more than “damage control” on the Trump administration. “They have entrusted a Democratic Congress to guide us toward something better, to make their lives easier,” he said. Clark officially declared his intention to run for majority leader Thursday in a letter to other Democratic representatives. “My priority will be to ensure that every corner of our Caucus is heard and empowered to play a role in the policymaking process,” Clark wrote. “At every decision point, I intend to work closely with you to understand the needs of your district and maximize your ability to deliver for your constituents.” Steve Kerrigan, chairman of the Massachusetts Democratic Party, has known Clark since he first ran for the Melrose School Committee in 2001. “He’s huge. The last time we had someone of that stature in House leadership was Tip O’Neill and that was decades ago,” Kerrigan said. “I’m excited for the world to know what an incredibly special person she is and what a great leader she is.” WBZ-TV political analyst Jon Keller said Clark as majority leader could mean millions of dollars in funding for Massachusetts. “That’s an area where over the last two years of the Trump administration we’ve been really hit by cuts and federal research grants and other funding sources,” Keller said. Congresswoman Clark’s office did not respond to WBZ’s interview request. More from CBS News at:
