Hard Number: Black Republican exodus from the US House

US Reps. Byron Donalds of Florida, Wesley Hunt of Texas, and John James of Michigan all decided to run for statewide office – although Hunt lost in the Texas Senate primary. US Rep. Burgess Owens of Utah is retiring after his state redrew district lines, making it difficult for him to retain his seat. Some Republicans, notably former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, have been trying to recruit a more diverse group of Republican candidates. That effort appears to be going backward, as US Sen. Tim Scott could be the only Black Republican left in Congress next year. “When you look at the Democrats, they actually look like America,” McCarthy said after leaving Congress in 2023. “When I look at my party, we look like the most restrictive country club in America.”