Congressional Black Caucus Statement on Retirement of Rep. Cleo Fields

Today, Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement:

"The Congressional Black Caucus applauds Congressman Cleo Fields for his distinguished tenure in the U.S. Congress. For more than three decades in public service, Congressman Fields has been a champion for education, economic development, and community empowerment-dedicating his career to improving the lives of Louisianans through leadership, vision, and action.

"While we are saddened that this chapter of his service in the House of Representatives is coming to a close, we are grateful that his service to the people of Louisiana and to our nation is far from over, as he continues his commitment to public service by seeking election to the Louisiana State Senate in the 14th District.

"Congressman Fields' career tells a story that is, unfortunately, all too familiar in the struggle for voting rights. He first came to Congress in the 1990s, and after returning to the House in 2025, the ongoing battle over fair representation continues to impact the state of Louisiana. This is now the second time that changes to Louisiana's congressional map have altered the course of his service and silenced the voices of the communities that elected him to represent them in Congress. Congressman Fields' journey, and the experiences of the communities impacted by partisan racial gerrymandering, are a powerful reminder that the work of protecting the right to vote and ensuring fair representation is never finished.

"We thank Congressman Fields for his service to the Congressional Black Caucus, to this institution, and most importantly, to the people he has faithfully represented throughout his distinguished career. This body has been made better because of his voice, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to justice.

"We look forward to serving alongside Congressman Fields through the completion of his term and wish him godspeed in the next phase of his public service."