House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued the following statement after Congressman Cleo Fields announced his decision not to seek re-election to the House of Representatives:

Throughout his distinguished career in public service, Representative Cleo Fields has always fought to make life better for the people of Louisiana. 

A son of Baton Rouge, Cleo was elected to the Louisiana State Senate on three occasions, becoming the youngest State Senator in Louisiana history. In 1992, Cleo was elected to Congress as the youngest Member of his class, and he rejoined us in the House last year, once again becoming a beloved member of the Congressional Black Caucus family. During his time in Congress, Rep. Fields has co-chaired the Congressional Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Caucus, been a fierce advocate for voting rights and fought to expand economic opportunity.

After being gerrymandered out of his seat in 1996, Rep. Fields founded the Congressional Classroom, a first-of-its-kind program to teach high school students about the federal government. It was an honor and a privilege to join Rep. Fields in Baton Rouge last year, where I witnessed firsthand the powerful impact of what is now called the Louisiana Leadership Institute.

On two separate occasions, Republicans have deployed undemocratic gerrymandering tactics to target and wipe out districts represented by Rep. Fields and deny equal representation to Black Louisianans. House Democrats will continue our fight to deliver fair Congressional maps, defend the integrity of our elections and end voter suppression once and for all.

Rep. Fields will be deeply missed by the entire House Democratic Caucus. We wish him and his family well during this next chapter in his lifelong service to the people of Louisiana.

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