Katherine M. Clark to Become First Female House Majority Leader

Representative Katherine M. Clark of Massachusetts will become the House Majority Leader in January after Democrats won control of the chamber. Clark is the first woman to hold this specific leadership position, having previously served as the minority whip.

Clark is regarded as a progressive power player and an adept member manager. She is expected to be the most liberal member of the House Democrats leadership team, differing from Representative Hakeem Jeffries on several issues. Specifically, Clark voted in favor of a measure in July to eliminate U.S. aid to Israel, a position that contrasts with Jeffries, who is in line to become speaker.

Her political priorities focus on transgender rights and affordable child care. Clark's advocacy for transgender rights is influenced by her daughter. The leadership arrangement stems from a 2022 agreement in which Clark supported Jeffries for the top leadership position in exchange for the No. 2 spot.